Denis Ratushniy

Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv

CV: Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv, Philosophy faculty, political sciences department. Member of The program of translations and publications of philosophical literature in the “Mizhvukhamy” institution. Head of Academic Department in the IAPSS (Ukraine)

Presentation title: Adherence to conspiracy theories as a factor in decreasing political consensus in society

Abstract: The main idea of the study is to examine how adherence to various conspiracy theories by voters, supporters, and members of political parties affects a party's ability to accept compromises with its competitors. This topic is of interest because of the significant, but not fully researched, impact of radical conspiracy theories on political actors. The main hypotheses of the paper are: 1) the assumption that even minimal acceptance of conspiracy theories by political parties significantly reduces the possibility of reaching consensus with opponents 2) the assumption that proponents of conspiracy theories are more prone to radicalism 3) the assumption that accusing an opponent of adherence to conspiracy theories also entails confrontation. A research methodology is also being developed. It includes case studies, theoretical methods, and socio-psychological experiments. This research will serve as the basis for my master's thesis in the field of political science.