Political Science and Conspiracy Theories

Abstract

Despite the richness of the literature about conspiracy theories in English, the literature about the same subject in Arabic is rare.  Therefore, this study aims to contribute in filling this gap. It is noticeable that the literature of conspiracy theories reflects Thomas’s paradigm and its accompanied scientific revolutions. Although this traditional paradigm has a long history, it lacks a scientific methodology as it depends on deduction.  Rather than induction as well as its metaphysic scope However, the behaviouristic revolution results in developing theories that emphasises the partial analysis within the framework of international relations which makes it possible to   describe, analyze and anticipate the conspiracy behaviour of individuals, politicians and decision-makers. Within the framework of the science of politics, this description, analysis and anticipation can be performed through three theories: Attitudes, Personality and irrationality. It is possible to describe, analyze and anticipate the conspiracy behaviour through conducting scientific studies to identify the common attitude Although partial theories examine conspiratorial behavior of individuals and political elites, the reality of the situation points to the growing conspiracies in terms of quantity and quality, which paves the way for the emergence of a third Paradigm that may contribute to narrowing the gap between theory and reality, which means the need for further studies in this field.

Keywords: Belief System, Attitudes, Personality, Irrationality, and Paranoia.