Speech Acts, the Rhetoric of Risk and IR Studies: Nuclear Discourse in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict as a Case
Speech Acts, the Rhetoric of Risk and IR Studies: Nuclear Discourse in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict as a Case

Summary/Abstract: The research paper articulates a role for speech act theory in the analysis of global conflicts and international relations, by utilising nuclear rhetoric in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a case. An investigation of nuclear statements by Vladimir Putin is observed to be shaping international perceptions, along with the corresponding war event that facilitated nuclear threats. In the lead-up to the analysis of the case, the paper conceptualises the rhetoric of risk and (in)security by utilising the Constructivist methodology to emphasise how speech acts are constructing international relations. The analysis expresses the effects of discourse and construction on wartime realities and international relations more generally. The disclosure shows the shaping impact of speech acts and subsequent symbolism in the progression of the conflict, highlighting the core function of language in International Relations.

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