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Self-Other Constructions, Difference and Threat: US and Arab “Othering” of Iran

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Book cover Regional Insecurity After the Arab Uprisings

Part of the book series: New Security Challenges Series ((NSECH))

Abstract

This chapter focuses on self-other constructions, threat perceptions and threat narratives both of the United States towards Iran and of the Arab states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Syria towards Iran. The analysis is of the discourse conducted at the level of decision-makers in the area of foreign and security policy, because they represent their country and formulate and implement its policy and strategy towards other states in matters regarding security. The aim of this contribution is to uncover the existing self-other constructions and the impact of difference to the other on interstate relations, as well as perceived threats and possible processes of othering. Brief attention is paid to whether or not the Arab Spring has introduced a change in perceptions and threat narratives.

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  1. Sybille Reinke de Buitrago
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  1. University of Warwick, UK

    Elizabeth Monier

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© 2015 Sybille Reinke de Buitrago

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Reinke de Buitrago, S. (2015). Self-Other Constructions, Difference and Threat: US and Arab “Othering” of Iran. In: Monier, E. (eds) Regional Insecurity After the Arab Uprisings. New Security Challenges Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137503978_5

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