A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Conspiracism on the Runet: Text Reuse and the Formation of a Conspiracy Theory
Authors: Oivo, Teemu; Oiva, Mila; Ristilä, Anna
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Canadian Journal of European and Russian Studies
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
First page : 1
Last page: 25
eISSN: 2562-8429
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22215/cjers.v19i1.4960
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.22215/cjers.v19i1.4960
Self-archived copy's licence: CC BY NC ND
Self-archived copy's version: Publisher`s PDF
While repetition is widely recognized as a key mechanism in shaping cultural knowledge, its role in the formation of misinformation and conspiracy theories remains underexplored. This article examines Russian conspiracism by investigating the role of text reuse in the formation and dissemination of a conspiracy theory within text-based media. Drawing on a corpus of Russian-language websites and newspapers, we identify a prominent cluster that repeatedly promotes claims about an ancient Russian civilization and a multi-generational cover-up. Using a mixed-methods approach, we contextualize these websites and analyze their life cycles, loose interconnectedness, and “patriotic” profiles. The conspiracy theory examined in this case study circulated exclusively online, with the digital environment of the Runet accelerating its diffusion and entrenchment. Our findings of text reuse highlight the salience of lead-in introductions in shaping and reinforcing these narratives.
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