Cross-Border Media Consumption As A Significant Factor in Belief Formation

This paper investigates the relationship between trust in Russian television and belief in conspiracy theories among viewers in Kazakhstan. Drawing on an original 2024 survey, we examine whether individuals who consider Russian broadcast television a reliable source of information are more likely to endorse the conspiracy theory linking 5G networks to the spread of COVID-19. Our findings reveal a significant positive association between trust in Russian TV and belief in this conspiracy theory, even after controlling for demographic and socio-economic variables. In contrast, trust in internet news sites is negatively associated with conspiracy beliefs. These results underscore the importance of cross-border media influence and information politics, especially in contexts where countries share common historical and cultural identity traits, such as a Soviet past and a common language. By exploring how foreign media shape narratives and public trust, the paper contributes to our understanding of the role of propaganda and conspiracy in shaping national identity and collective consciousness. The paper also adds to broader studies on informational sovereignty, symbolic politics, and nation-building in transitional regimes.