Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan
This article combines linguistic discourse analysis with role theory to create a role-theoretic discourse analysis framework for German security policy. To illustrate this, we employ topos analysis on 30 plenary minutes of parliamentary debates regarding the International Security Assistance Force m...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1329151/full |
| _version_ | 1797361351950073856 |
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| author | Xiaoshan Ni |
| author_facet | Xiaoshan Ni |
| author_sort | Xiaoshan Ni |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article combines linguistic discourse analysis with role theory to create a role-theoretic discourse analysis framework for German security policy. To illustrate this, we employ topos analysis on 30 plenary minutes of parliamentary debates regarding the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, conducted by German Members of Parliament between 2001 and 2014. We interpret their perception of Germany’s roles in light of key behavioral norms related to German security policy. The parliamentary discourse, shaped by topoi, sets the stage for decisions on German military operations abroad. The use of topoi is influenced by dominant thought patterns, particularly the perspective on Germany’s role in security policy held by the political elite. Political decisions, in turn, reflect behavioral preferences guided by these viewpoints. Our research reveals how changes in German security policy are mirrored in the discourse. This discourse is structured around five categories of topoi for legitimizing or delegitimizing military operations abroad: necessity, obligation, self-interest, capability and preparedness, and solution. An evaluation of the use of topoi through the lens of role theory indicates that perceptions of Germany’s role have evolved over time, encompassing roles such as a “civilian power,” a “normal state,” and an “agenda-setting role” in sync with its foreign military engagements. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T15:52:30Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3854ece9a6d24a9fb2fed081e0822f70 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T15:52:30Z |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj.art-3854ece9a6d24a9fb2fed081e0822f702024-01-09T04:18:18ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782024-01-011410.3389/fpsyg.2023.13291511329151Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in AfghanistanXiaoshan NiThis article combines linguistic discourse analysis with role theory to create a role-theoretic discourse analysis framework for German security policy. To illustrate this, we employ topos analysis on 30 plenary minutes of parliamentary debates regarding the International Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, conducted by German Members of Parliament between 2001 and 2014. We interpret their perception of Germany’s roles in light of key behavioral norms related to German security policy. The parliamentary discourse, shaped by topoi, sets the stage for decisions on German military operations abroad. The use of topoi is influenced by dominant thought patterns, particularly the perspective on Germany’s role in security policy held by the political elite. Political decisions, in turn, reflect behavioral preferences guided by these viewpoints. Our research reveals how changes in German security policy are mirrored in the discourse. This discourse is structured around five categories of topoi for legitimizing or delegitimizing military operations abroad: necessity, obligation, self-interest, capability and preparedness, and solution. An evaluation of the use of topoi through the lens of role theory indicates that perceptions of Germany’s role have evolved over time, encompassing roles such as a “civilian power,” a “normal state,” and an “agenda-setting role” in sync with its foreign military engagements.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1329151/fullrole theorylinguistic discourse analysistopos/topoisecurity policymilitary operations abroad |
| spellingShingle | Xiaoshan Ni Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan Frontiers in Psychology role theory linguistic discourse analysis topos/topoi security policy military operations abroad |
| title | Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan |
| title_full | Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan |
| title_fullStr | Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan |
| title_full_unstemmed | Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan |
| title_short | Role-theoretic discourse analysis of German security policy: a case of German parliamentary debate on the mission in Afghanistan |
| title_sort | role theoretic discourse analysis of german security policy a case of german parliamentary debate on the mission in afghanistan |
| topic | role theory linguistic discourse analysis topos/topoi security policy military operations abroad |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1329151/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT xiaoshanni roletheoreticdiscourseanalysisofgermansecuritypolicyacaseofgermanparliamentarydebateonthemissioninafghanistan |