Jewish Identity in the Russia-Ukraine War Narrative: Critical Discourse Analysis of the speeches of the Ukrainian President

Kadkhoee, Elham; Etemadi, Shahrzad

doi:10.22034/jcsc.2024.2022179.2728

Jewish Identity in the Russia-Ukraine War Narrative: Critical Discourse Analysis of the speeches of the Ukrainian President

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Elham Kadkhoee ¹

Shahrzad Etemadi ²

¹ Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran

² Department of West Asia and North Africa Studies - Faculty of World Studies - University of Tehran

10.22034/jcsc.2024.2022179.2728

Abstract

The Ukraine-Russia conflict has emerged as a prominent manifestation of Russia's ascension as a significant rival to the United States within the global arena. In addition to its geopolitical implications, the media strategy employed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding this conflict has garnered substantial international attention. This research undertakes a critical examination of Zelensky's adept utilization of Jewish identity and historical narratives as tools for constructing self-identity, delineating the 'other,' and disseminating his narrative of the Ukraine-Russia conflict to both domestic and international audiences. Employing a critical discourse analysis approach, this study scrutinizes Zelensky's speeches from March 2022 to July 2023. It reveals the deployment of various discursive strategies and tools, including van Dijk's ideological square, analogical reasoning, historical metaphors, and narrative storytelling, aimed at influencing his audience and soliciting tangible support, particularly in the form of military assistance for Ukraine.Within the framework of this discursive polarization, Zelensky recurrently draws upon historical Jewish metaphors to underscore the imperative for Western nations to stand alongside Ukraine. Simultaneously, he invokes Ukraine's determination and capacity to counter Russia, which is depicted as the embodiment of evil and the adversary of the free world. The iterative use of these analogies involves elements of exaggeration, storytelling, and detailed mention of particulars, thereby instrumentalizing Jewish history to galvanize international solidarity. Consequently, Zelensky's discourse transcends the boundaries of persuasive rhetoric, assuming characteristics akin to manipulation. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted implications of identity and historical narratives within contemporary geopolitical conflicts.

Highlights

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مراد حاصلی، ج