Political Discourse Analysis - by Robert Butler

About the Book

How can political actors regain control and credibility in a world of constant challenges?

Book Synopsis

Political Discourse Analysis addresses the challenges facing political actors at all levels of society and across a range of regimes. It shows how discursive legitimisation strategies can vary on a continuum ranging from the stabilising effects of institutional discourse and the management of destabilising factors inherent in new types of media to the destabilising potential of rhetorical devices and deliberate de-legitimisation strategies used to attack opponents.
The diverse approaches show how political actors strive to maintain control in the context of democratic deficit and crisis in developed societies while addressing growing global threats to stability in all regimes. While many actors seek legitimisation through the institutional structure, media or rhetoric, others may seek to weaken any opposition to them through de-legitimisation. In this collection Butler provides the reader with replicable methods that can be adapted to political contexts.

Review Quotes

Political Discourse Analysis: Legitimisation Strategies in Crisis and Conflict is a much needed work. It is an influential book which cleverly analyses a key discursive strategy used by politicians in the current social and political climate. Its nine chapters provide an original, critical insight into the communicative aspects of today's political discourse.

An insightful contribution to political discourse analysis, addressing the timely topic of legitimization strategies in the context of crisis and conflict. This book covers an impressive array of discursive genres, modes, and cultures, and include discourses from African, Asian, European and American politicians, environmental activists, and other social actors. Essential reading not only for political discourse scholars, but also for researchers interested in critical discourse analysis.