Conspiracy Theories and Human Trafficking: Coercive Power, Normative Ambiguity and Epistemic Uncertainty

Author: Watson, Scott

Abstract: Conspiracy theories have become a prevalent feature of public discourse, with human trafficking featuring as a key component of contemporary populist conspiracy claims. This paper examines the impact of trafficking conspiracy theories and concludes that rather than challenging the accounts of relevant powerful actors, they reinforce the dominant narratives and institutions that shape anti-trafficking policies, and rather than democratizing knowledge, they undermine such efforts. I further argue that trafficking conspiracies are not simply symptomatic of normative and epistemic uncertainty, but actively elevate the coercive power of the state by undermining normative and epistemic sources of constraint. Ultimately, conspiracy theories on trafficking seek to control borders and police sexuality, to protect powerful actors from criticism, and to marginalize the voices of those most affected by trafficking and anti-trafficking initiatives. I conclude that countering conspiracy theories requires normative clarification in the realm of human trafficking and a commitment to inclusive, transparent, and firm epistemic foundations. The paper supports progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, by empowering women and girls – particularly marginalized women and girls – to contribute to public discourses on trafficking and Goal 16 by challenging discourses and institutions that contribute to unjust, violent and exclusive societies.

Keywords: human trafficking, conspiracy theory, epistemic uncertainty, norms, coercion