The Discourse Trap and the US Military : From the War on Terror to the Surge

This book proposes the idea of a 'discourse trap' in which the discourses and associated terminology devised for political or military reasons can entrap policymakers by motivating or constraining their actions. A 'discourse trap' is a phenomenon seen worldwide in which the discourses and associated terminology devised for political or military reasons can entrap policymakers by motivating or constraining their actions. Beginning with the discourse of 'counter-terrorism' that occurred post 9/11, this book examines the language employed inside the US Defense Department during the period 2001-2012. Michaels demonstrates how during the course of a conflict, the politics of terminology can constitute an important battlefield in its own right. As the studies of 'Global War on Terror', 'Shock and Awe', 'Iraq Adversary Characterizations' and 'The Surge' presented here demonstrate, the language of war had a direct impact on US strategy and operations, and not necessarily a positive one A "discourse trap" is a phenomenon seen worldwide in which the discourses and associated terminology devised for political or military reasons can entrap policymakers by motivating or constraining their actions. Beginning with the discourse of "counter-terrorism" that occurred post 9/11, this book examines the language employed inside the US Defense Department during the period 2001-2012. Michaels demonstrates how during the course of a conflict, the politics of terminology can constitute an important battlefield in its own right. As the studies of "Global War on Terror", "Shock and Awe", "Iraq Adversary Characterizations" and "The Surge" presented here demonstrate, the language of war had a direct impact on US strategy and operations, and not necessarily a positive one (site de l'éditeur) A 'discourse Trap' Is A Phenomenon Seen Worldwide In Which The Discourses And Associated Terminology Devised For Political Or Military Reasons Can Entrap Policymakers By Motivating Or Contraining Their Actions. Beginning With The Discourse Of 'counter-terrorism' That Occurred Post-9/11, This Book Examines The Language Employed Inside The Us Defense Department During The Period Between 2001 And 2012. Michaels Demonstrates How During The Course Of Conflict, The Politics Of Terminology Can Constitute An Important Battlefield In Is Own Right--p. [4] Of Cover. Global War On Terrorism -- Shock And Awe -- Characterizing The Irregular Adversary In Iraq -- The Surge: From Iraq To Afghanistan -- Conclusion. By Jeffrey H. Michaels. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "A 'discourse trap' is a phenomenon seen worldwide in which the discourses and associated terminology devised for political or military reasons can entrap policymakers by motivating or contraining their actions. Beginning with the discourse of 'counter-terrorism' that occurred post-9/11, this book examines the language employed inside the US Defense Department during the period between 2001 and 2012. Michaels demonstrates how during the course of conflict, the politics of terminology can constitute an important battlefield in is own right"--Page 4 of cover Front Matter....Pages i-vii Introduction....Pages 1-16 Global War on Terrorism....Pages 17-79 Shock and Awe....Pages 81-106 Characterizing the Irregular Adversary in Iraq....Pages 107-146 The Surge....Pages 147-166 Conclusion....Pages 167-174 Back Matter....Pages 175-267