Presentation

Critically assess the role of discourse in how a policy problem is defined in relation to a particular policy controversy

Russias opposition to NATOs EPAA

A NA LYSIS O F NATO - R USSI A N D I S CO URS ES

EPAA = European Phased Adaptive Approach

NATO Missile Defence 4 Phases

1
2011

2
2015

3
2018

4
2020

 Context
Policy controversy Policy Problem

Controversy because:

Addressing Russias concerns Stop or limit its progress

Real need?

Expensive
Effective? Implications for disarmament US global domination

Targeted Strategic deterrent reduced Obsolete technology Weakened and encirclement

Yes, if the EPAA is fully implemented, Russia is encircled

 Role of discourse ? The ways we think and talk about a subject influence and reflect the ways we act in relation to that subject. Discourses illuminate ways in which the dominant forces in a society construct versions of reality that favor their interests

The relationship between discourse and power means we also need to explore the relations of power between the speaker and the spoken to/about

CDA

Critical Discourse Analysis

Foucault

Fairclough

CDA examines the form, structure and content of

discourse, from the grammar and wording employed in its creation to its reception and

interpretation by a
wider audience

CDA seeks to understand how discourse is implicated in relations of power

 Discourse and power

Relations of power between the speaker and the spoken to/about Hierarchical or asymmetrical and Symmetrical power relations

Rhetorical Analysis

Billig Bakhtin

Vertical or symmetrical relations emerge where power is more

evenly balanced and the actors operate on a level playing

field
Arguments are needed not only to clarify a position but also to persuade others to support that position (Majone)

 Deconstructing discourse and arguments

Justification and criticism Claims & counter-claims

Evidences used and how is their credibility constructed

Emotive appeals
What ideas, values and beliefs are embedded in these arguments

Claims & counter-claims

Emotive Appeals
Russia lag technologically behind
EPAAs weak justification is Russia: Blockage, Distance, Georgia, pressures US NATO: Phase 3 cancelled, START

US NATO position Russia

Justification & criticism

EPAA will weaken strategic parity between US-Russia No threats to Russias nuclear deterrent

Putin Doctrine U S He g e m on y
Ideas & values embedded

Real Issues??
Evidences & credibility

New START Treaty

US NATO

Putin
RUSSIA

Crisis in Georgia

Iskander

Conclusion
Legal Agreement ?
US Russia RESET ?
NATO - Russia

Magnet repulsion phenomenon