Verbal attacks, criticisms, and hostile rhetoric have become increasingly prevalent in political discourse on a global scale. This article collection aims to examine this phenomenon from an international perspective, exploring the impact of negative language on the political landscape and societal dynamics.
Researchers and scholars are invited to contribute original articles that delve into diverse aspects of verbal attacks in politics. The collection will explore topics such as the role of social media in amplifying divisive rhetoric, comparative analyses of political communication across different countries, strategies for fostering civil discourse, and the intersections of gender, race, and identity in verbal attacks.
Through empirical research and theoretical perspectives, this collection seeks to shed light on the complexities of verbal attacks and criticisms in political discourse. By fostering a better understanding of this issue, we aim to explore political discussions in a globally interconnected world.
Studying verbal attacks, criticisms, and political discourse from an international perspective is essential for several reasons. Firstly, understanding how negative language is employed in political communication across different countries can provide valuable insights into the broader socio-political context in which these interactions occur. By examining the similarities and differences in rhetorical strategies used by political actors worldwide, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of verbal attacks on public discourse.
Additionally, studying this issue from an international perspective allows for the identification of global trends and patterns in political communication. By analyzing how verbal attacks manifest in different cultural, social, and political contexts, researchers can uncover underlying dynamics that transcend national boundaries. This comparative approach enables the identification of common challenges and effective strategies for promoting civil and respectful political discussions in diverse settings.
Furthermore, studying verbal attacks and criticisms from an international perspective can foster cross-cultural discourse and collaboration in addressing this issue. By bringing together perspectives from various regions and disciplines, researchers can explore innovative solutions for mitigating the negative consequences of hostile rhetoric in political discourse. This collaborative approach can lead to the development of best practices and strategies for promoting constructive political communication on a global scale.
Overall, studying verbal attacks, criticisms, and political discourse from an international perspective is crucial for advancing our understanding of the complexities of political communication in a rapidly evolving and interconnected world. By examining this issue across borders, researchers can contribute to fostering a more informed, inclusive, and respectful public discourse that transcends national and cultural boundaries.
We invite contributions to a special collection titled “Verbal Attacks, Criticisms & Political Discourse: An International Perspective”, which seeks to critically examine the role of language in shaping, polarizing, and negotiating political landscapes across different cultural, institutional, and media contexts.
In an era marked by intensified ideological divides, populist rhetoric, and digital amplification, the use of verbal aggression and criticism in political discourse has taken on new significance. This collection aims to explore the boundaries between legitimate critique and verbal attack, the rhetorical strategies used in political confrontations, and the implications of these linguistic practices for democratic engagement, governance, and public trust.
We welcome interdisciplinary approaches from fields such as linguistics, political science, communication studies, media studies, sociology, anthropology, and discourse analysis.
Suggested Subtopics Include (but are not limited to):
- Rhetorical Strategies and Linguistic Tactics:
- Political insults, name-calling, and delegitimization tactics
- Euphemism and coded language in verbal aggression
- Irony, sarcasm, and mockery in political performances
- Cross-Cultural Perspectives:
- Norms of political civility and incivility across countries
- Localized discourses of populism, nationalism, or resistance
- Cultural frameworks of acceptable vs. transgressive critique
- Mediatization and the Role of Platforms:
- The amplification of verbal attacks via traditional and social media
- Memes, hashtags, and viral criticism as forms of digital discourse
- Media framing of political conflict and polarization
- Power, Identity, and Discourse:
- Gendered and racialized dimensions of verbal aggression
- Political criticism and the construction of “us vs. them”
- The discursive marginalization or empowerment of minority voices
- Ethical and Legal Boundaries:
- Hate speech vs. free speech in political arenas
- Institutional responses to verbal incivility in parliaments or campaigns
- Legal consequences of verbal attacks in different legal systems
- Historical and Comparative Perspectives:
- Evolution of political criticism over time
- Comparative case studies of political discourse styles
