The Spectre of Populist Leadership: QAnon, Emergent Formations, and Digital Community

QAnon is an online conspiracy movement centred on cryptic posts published by unknown figure referred to as “Q.” Its anti-hierarchical framework and deployment of leader can be understood a substantial departure from other 21st-century populisms that are sustained the celebrity relationship between (often aspiring or gaining political office) its followers (constituted in community through consumption leaders’ social media posts). Reflecting contemporary debates insights within cultural studies digital communication literature, this article investigates some ways which spectral leadership Q presents challenges for understanding apprehending populist movements. In light QAnon, there emerging need make sense built mythical anonymous characters rather than identifiable human actors roles. We begin discussing role key practices contrast these with justice-based community-led without leader. argue that, movement, fits neither frameworks and, instead, has drawn affordances intersections postmodern hyperreality produce new formation today. Arguing simulacra leader, we theorise fosters affiliation action adherents who, themselves, take saviour-leader.