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Grasping the Role of Emotions in IR via Qualitative Content Analysis and Visual Analysis

  • Sybille Reinke de Buitrago
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Abstract

The chapter addresses the role emotions play in discursive constructions of self and other in International Relations. It offers a case study of US constructions of Iran in security policy discourse, focusing in particular on the developments leading up to and following right after the 2015 nuclear agreement. In applying a qualitative content analysis of US policy and strategy documents, and a visual analysis of US media cartoons picturing Iran, the Iranian leadership, and US-Iranian relations, the chapter examines how emotions contribute to the US representation of Iran and to the shaping of US security policy towards Iran. This contribution thereby highlights emotions as an important factor for discourse and behaviour in IR.

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© The Author(s) 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  • Sybille Reinke de Buitrago
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, University of HamburgHamburgGermany
  2. 2.Institute for Peace and TheologyHamburgGermany

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