Structural features of the conspiracy narrative about interference in the 2024 American presidential election in the Washington Post

the study of conspiracy narratives in the mass media (mass media) is an urgent scientific task because they can form a biased perception of reality. This article analyzes the narrative of interference in the American presidential election of 2024 in the materials of The Washington Post. The aim of the study is to develop a terminological apparatus for deconstructing the narrative and to establish connections between its components. The author uses the method of narrative analysis adapted for conspiracy texts. The main categories of analysis include the conspirators, their motives, actions, and victims. The results show that Russia, Iran and China are presented as a “new axis of evil” seeking to influence the election. Their actions are described as covert and against the democratic values espoused by the U.S. and its allies. Russia and Iran are portrayed as more aggressive actors, while China acts in a more restrained manner. The findings emphasize that the conspiracy narrative is built on the value conflict between democratic and anti-democratic forces.

conspiracy, conspiracy theory, media, narrative analysis, The Washington Post, elections