ABSTRACT
Several scholars have called for a broader, global application of the concept of conspiracy theories. In this chapter, I argue that conspiracy theories are a well-known phenomenon in the African context. However, broadening the geographical scope of conspiracy theories may also broaden and obscure the meaning of the concept. I therefore propose to see conspiracy theories as a continuum of narratives about evil others with an increasing focus on the existence of a conspiracy. In the chapter, I illustrate this continuum using different narratives about evil others from an African context, such as sex thieves, witches, Satanists, and Illuminati. Narratives about all of these evil others can be said to explain adverse events or inequalities in power. They also tend to arise in times of social change or crisis. Only the last two, however, are conspiracy theories in a strict sense, as narratives which imply the existence of a group that is plotting harm. I argue that a more detailed analysis like this of conspiracy-like narratives can help to prevent a confusion of the concept of conspiracy theories.
