A NARRATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CONSPIRACY DISCOURSE
A NARRATOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CONSPIRACY DISCOURSE

Summary/Abstract: Conspiracy theories have become a prominent feature of contemporary public discourse, especially during periods of crisis and uncertainty. Rather than viewing them simply as irrational beliefs, this article approaches them as narratives through which individuals and communities explain complex or threatening events. In this sense, conspiracy theories function as meaning-making mechanisms that transform uncertainty into coherent stories. Building on these perspectives, the article applies Tzvetan Todorov's narrative model to analyze conspiracy discourse surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Todorov’s framework, the article argues that conspiracy theories function as sense-making structures that reflect social anxieties, political tensions, and collective attempts to restore order during moments of uncertainty.

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