IntelBrief: The National Security Implications of Conspiracy Theories
Bottom Line Up Front
Conspiracy theories may be having a unifying effect as white supremacists, QAnon adherents, and antigovernment groups each see COVID-19 as a once in a lifetime opportunity to forcefully oppose societal norms.
Anti-Semitic conspiracy theories have had a steady presence over mainstream social media platforms and in the deep recesses of the internet.
5G and anti-vaccine conspiracy theories have been used to incite violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
The expansion and normalization of conspiracy theories is happening as trust in mainstream media diminishes – a toxic combination that represents a threat to U.S. national security.