Thornham, HM and Maltby, S (2012) The dis/embodiment of persuasive military discourse. Journal of War and Culture Studies, 5 (1). 33 - 46. ISSN 1752-6272
Abstract
Persuasive discourse is a fundamental aspect of contemporary asymmetric warfare where the power of military technologies has been displaced by the need for all parties to a conflict to persuade others to act in accordance with particular war aims. Here we suggest that persuasive military discourse evokes corporeality, transforming armies and enemies into individuals, and utilizing powerful corporeal imagery to fantasize ideals or imagine threats. This article investigates the use of the body as a tool of persuasion through an analysis of NATO Psychological Operations materials used in Afghanistan. These materials are primarily used to persuade the local population and Afghan security forces of particular courses of action, whilst simultaneously seeking to dissuade, disrupt and deter Taliban forces. Such an investigation not only offers insights into the ways in which the body becomes a site for political ideals, truths and imaginings but also the extent to which this process masks the lived bodily reality of war.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Media & Communication (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 03 Jul 2014 10:25 |
Last Modified: | 03 Jul 2014 19:25 |
Published Version: | http://www.intellectbooks.co.uk/ |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Intellect |
Identification Number: | 10.1386/jwcs.5.1.33_1 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:79504 |