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Michael Butter (43) is professor of American literature and cultural history at the University of Tübingen (D) and specializes in conspiracy theories.
Mr. Butter, are conspiracy theories popular because of the coronavirus?
Michael Butter: The proportion of people prone to conspiracy theories has not changed. But I think the coronavirus has caused radicalization. Conspiracy theorists have gotten louder and more visible. Conspiracy theories are strong in times of uncertainty as we have them now.
How big is the QAnon movement?
QAnon has been very popular lately: between five and six percent of Americans believe it. Yet according to polls, 17 percent of Germans also believe that the September 11 attacks were a staging.
What role does Donald Trump play in QAnon?
It must be said: QAnon is a successor version of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. Hillary Clinton was originally said to run a child trafficking ring. After the elections, the theory developed further and became QAnon. Now it’s about how Donald Trump is fighting the “deep state,” the secret ruling elite. Trump is the great savior. Corona at this reading is a deep state attack on Trump to prevent his re-election. This is why you continue to see QAnon supporters in demonstrations of crown skeptics.
Is QAnon dangerous?
Conspiracy theories are a driver of radicalization and this can lead to violence. In several attacks in recent years, the killers were conspiracy theorists who saw themselves as fighters against evil. Especially if Trump is removed from office, I see risks of violence. Interview: Michael Sahli
