Does the New World Order Worship Satan? Using Rational Choice to Understand QAnon

Abstract

The economics and sociology literature that deals with churches and sects can provide a valuable framework when considering certain conspiracy theories. This article looks at two aspects of the so-called “QAnon” conspiracy theory: first, Q’s theory on the elites; and second, Q’s followers—the Anons—and their social structure. For the first, I examine the historical precedent for Q’s theory and show how Iannaccone’s “sacrifice and stigma” model can help frame the ideas in the theory.1 Concerning the second, I look to Iannaccone’s church–sect model to explain how rational individuals can join and be involved in conspiratorial social network groups at both the church and sectarian levels.