1/ Many of my threads have been hyper focused on content related to QAnon but there is a larger environment in which QAnon flourishes, as well as through wish QAnont ropes are diluted and disseminated widely. Just going to shares some notes and musings I have on this with you all

2/ QAnon emerges in part due to the pandemic, but also in part due to elements of social polerization. It's emergence in an ecosystem where right-wing populist movements across the globe (84 countries atm) feel as they are being repressed by government and media elites

3/ to explain away their repression the focus is not on their behaviours, which leads to some of the actions against them, rather the lay the blame at the feet of a shadowy cabal, Jews, a deep state, a new world order, secrets orders, intellectuals, socialists, satanists, etc.

4/ these maligned actors are represented via conspriacy theories and mythical history that are modified for domestic consumption around the globe to explain how right-wing populists are under attack, threatened and being subverted by secret elites in high places.

5/ depending on if you are a conspiracy theories or a right wing extremist or a regular conservative there is a trickle down effect which dilutes the most convoluted narratives that may be found in QAnon, and are presented as blame Antifa or SaveTheChildren or blame the Jews.

6/ depending on where you are in the world these ideas can take on a Christian of secular connotation; however, they are very often apocalyptic in nature and embodied the necessary combat against the forces of evil by the enlightened few.

7/ popular tropes that are leverage in this ecosystem are are how the themes of equality and social justice from the left undermine respect for natural social hierarchy and individual liberties....

8/... How these are secret conspiracies that are being covered by the media seeking to destroy the right or the Christian right and make citizens slaves of the socialist, UN, globalists...

9/ these are all subversive traitors that are out to destroy national sovereignty (common themes found in QAnon in the global North) and establish political tyranny over freedom loving patriots.

10/ these narratives are agile enought hat they can be adapted to neocons, progressives, secularists, socialists etc. etc. The vagueness of the ideas provides a wide range of scapegoats that can be adapted to on the fly depending on the news of the day.

11/ it is difficult to explain this simply and clearly on twitter as the dynamics are complex and involve distinct social, political, cultural and religious ideas (depending on where you are analyzing this in the world) which frequently overlap with each other.

12/ It is important to note that individuals assemble their own idesyncratic package of beliefs. The amorphous nature of QAnon is an important feature of its capacity to thrive and survive and evolve.

13/ conspiracism is an attempt to explain evil, as well as understand the world around the believer. Conspiracy theories are about power, as well as how adherents misunderstand how power is really exercised in the world.

14/ this misunderstanding is why in conspriacy theories we see a synergy between ideologies, prejudices, and biases than frame an believers skewed worldview.

15/ To a QAnon adherent, the ideology provides a base for certainty in uncertain times, as to the adherent it provides simplicity, rigidity and a source of authority.

16/ it supplies it's adherents with a gratifying feeling of participation in the fight against evil forces and makes them feel self-righteous in doing so, even if they are causing real world harm.

17/ in a polarized world, conspiracism gives adherents a perception of superiority on the other; as well as, justifying conflicta and aggression while also providing a release for their frustration.