War and Language – Russian Invasion of Ukraine in National Political Discourses
War and Language – Russian Invasion of Ukraine in National Political Discourses
Contributor(s): Radoslav Štefančík (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Geography, Regional studies
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: war; Ukraine; Russia; political discourse
Summary/Abstract: This book focuses on the war in Ukraine and how politicians commented on this issue in the first months after the invasion. The reactions of heads of state to the Russian invasion of Ukraine have varied, even in the democratic world. While an overwhelming rejectionist view was expressed in Western Europe, politicians in some Central and Eastern European have demonstrated a difficulty seeing the Kremlin as the culprit for the war.The main aims of the book are to examine how politicians in selected countries reacted to the war, to identify the main actors of the political discourse and how the political elites formed their positions, to analyze the content of the discourse and how the various supported or opposing positions on the war were formulated, and to examine the linguistic means and strategies employed by the political elite. The authors examined political discourse in Slovakia, Hungary, France, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Austria, and compared and contrasted the features of political discourse in countries with a long democratic tradition with those in Central and Eastern European countries which were under non-democratic regimes before 1989. There seems to be a tendency to push political discourse to a different plane in countries with a communist experience, as we found solid, pro-Russian sentiments in Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic that can attenuate attitudes towards Russian aggression.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-1-80135-303-8
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-1-80135-302-1
- Page Count: 221
- Publication Year: 2024
- Language: English
Ukraine
Ukraine
(Ukraine)
- Author(s):Svitlana Goloshchuk
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Geography, Regional studies, Nationalism Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Socio-Economic Research, Politics and Identity, Russian war against Ukraine
- Page Range:13-32
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:Ukraine: war; discourse;
- Summary/Abstract:Ukraine is a linguistically diverse country, with Ukrainian and Russian being the two most widely spoken languages. It has a long history of linguistic and cultural differences, with the western parts generally being more Ukrainian-speaking and the eastern parts having a significant Russian-speaking population. The language policies adopted by the government have sometimes been a source of tension. In 2012, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law making Ukrainian the sole official language in government and education. This sparked protests and concerns among Russian-speaking communities, particularly in regions where Russian is more commonly spoken. The conflict has also impacted the use of language in political discourse. Ukrainian officials and politicians have used Ukrainian as a way to assert their patriotism and loyalty, while Russian officials and propaganda have portrayed the conflict as a fight for the rights of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine.
- Price: 4.60 €
Russia
Russia
(Russia)
- Author(s):Martina Uličná
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Geography, Regional studies, Nationalism Studies, Russian Aggression against Ukraine
- Page Range:33-58
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:Russia; invasion; Ukraine;
- Summary/Abstract:Political discourse in Russia is strongly influenced by the country’s authoritarian political system. It is often polarized and divisive, with little room for compromise or cooperation between opposing views. The government’s tight control over the media and political opposition has limited the diversity of voices heard, contributing to a lack of constructive dialogue and a failure to address key policy issues.
- Price: 4.00 €
Slovakia
Slovakia
(Slovakia)
- Author(s):Radoslav Štefančík, Eva Stradiotová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Russian war against Ukraine
- Page Range:59-82
- No. of Pages:24
- Keywords:Slovakia; war; Ukraine; Russia;
- Summary/Abstract:Slovakia, an immediate neighbor of Ukraine, faced the Russian military invasion and its direct consequences with remarkable resilience. Despite being unprepared for the mass immigration of war refugees, the government, witnessed the effective mobilization of civil society. Individuals, groups, companies, and some public institutions such as schools and local governments organized spontaneous assistance to Ukrainian refugees independent of the state. This display of solidarity was unprecedented in Slovak society, showcasing a high degree of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
- Price: 4.60 €
Hungary
Hungary
(Hungary)
- Author(s):Žaneta Pavlíková
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Geography, Regional studies, Geopolitics
- Page Range:83-100
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Hungary; Ukraine; Russia; war;
- Summary/Abstract:The military conflict between Russia and Ukraine has caused concern around the world. Central Europe, including the Visegrad Four countries, many of which are Ukraine´s neighbors and may feel even more threatened, is undoubtedly the most affected region. Although they are members of NATO, which offers them some protection, the threat from Russia is more immediate than ever. This is partly because of President Putin´s claims about these states, the new waves of migrants, and the threat to Europe´s energy security. Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary were the countries where thousands of Ukrainian war refugees arrived. To this day, Slovakia and Hungary have been unable to resolve their energy dependence on Russia.
- Price: 4.00 €
Austria
Austria
(Austria)
- Author(s):Katarína Seresová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Geography, Regional studies
- Page Range:101-120
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:Austria; war; language; inextricably; human; existence; communication; relationship; complex; communicate; fostering; history; people; defend; themselves; enemies; protect their; territory; resource;
- Summary/Abstract:War and language are inextricably linked to human existence. Language serves as a means of communication, while war is one of the oldest ways of resolving conflicts. Initially, these two elements were separate, but their relationship has become increasingly complex over time. In many cases, language is used as a propaganda tool to shape public opinion (Jowett, O’Donnell 2018) and promote war. Since time immemorial, people have used language to communicate, fostering the development of communities and cultures. War has also been a part of human history, as people have had to defend themselves against enemies and protect their territory and resources.
- Price: 4.60 €
Germany
Germany
(Germany)
- Author(s):Silvia Adamcová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, General Reference Works
- Page Range:121-139
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:Germany; article; language; crisis; developed; Europe; Russia’
- Summary/Abstract:This article is devoted to the language of the crisis that developed in Europe after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, is the political leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He was elected on December 8th, 2021 after Angela Merkel (CDU) stepped down after 16 years of being Germany´s leader. This article will focus on how the new federal government reacted to this crisis. Our point of view will be supported by a pragmatic-linguistic analysis of the groundbreaking political and media speeches and statements of Scholz and other important German politicians. The contribution focuses on analyzing and evaluating statements which are presented in the form of selected lexis, multi-word units, and sentences. The introduction to the problem is formed by the characteristics of the current media and their importance and influence on the public. In addition, the current social media problems in Germany, Russia, and Europe are described and the role of Russia in the current use of information warfare and propaganda (Informationskrieg) is discussed. This concerns the manipulation of the Russian, European, and German populations through Russian disinformation regarding the war. It is important to assess the position of such a great power as Germany and its partners because they play a decisive role in all European conflicts.
- Price: 4.60 €
France
France
(France)
- Author(s):Iveta Rizeková
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Geography, Regional studies
- Page Range:141-169
- No. of Pages:29
- Keywords:France; Moscow; Ukrainian; president; conversation
- Summary/Abstract:On February 8, 2022, Emmanuel Macron flew from Moscow to Kiev to inform the Ukrainian president about the outcome of his conversation with Vladimir Putin. The French president announced that after a long and tense exchange of views, the Russian president promised that Russia would abide by the agreements and not cause escalation. Two weeks later, Russian tanks invaded Ukraine, triggering the most significant conflict in Europe since World War II.
- Price: 4.60 €
Spain
Spain
(Spain)
- Author(s):Mária Spišiaková, Nina Mocková
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Geography, Regional studies
- Page Range:171-195
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:Spain; Spanish; Ukrainian; relations; Soviet Union
- Summary/Abstract:Spanish-Ukrainian relations date back to the times of the Soviet Union. After the Chernobyl explosion, Spanish families began to take in Ukrainian children for summer holidays, and in 1992 diplomatic relations began to develop when Ukraine’s independence was declared. In terms of trade, Spain is the largest importer of Ukrainian grain in the EU and several Spanish companies are based there, including Acciona, which invests in renewable energy. On the issue of the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of part of the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk, Spain has supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial unity.
- Price: 4.60 €
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
- Author(s):Ildikó Némethová
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Geography, Regional studies, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:197-215
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:United Kingdom; language; politics; intertwined; politicians; antiquity; art; communication;
- Summary/Abstract:Language and politics are intertwined (Niehr 2014). If politicians want to engage citizens, they must master the art of communication. This was true in antiquity, and it is still true today. This is true in democratic settings, but language is also important for politicians in non-democratic regimes (Štefančík 2018). The art of communication is particularly important in peacetime, but it is equally important in wartime. It is important for the aggressor but similarly crucial for the country’s politicians, who have to defend themselves against the aggressor. It is equally important for the politicians in the states who are helping the invaded state. One of the states that is helping Ukraine significantly in its fight against the Russian aggressor is the United Kingdom.
- Price: 4.60 €
