Vortrag: Constructing Economic Leadership: A Discourse Analysis of Azerbaijani Political Rhetoric on the New Silk Road

This study explores how Azerbaijani political leaders, particularly President Ilham Aliyev, employ language to craft national economic narratives tied to the New Silk Road, focusing on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Middle Corridor. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research examines speeches from 2015 to 2024, identifying rhetorical strategies such as metaphors, modality, and evaluative language to frame Azerbaijan as a regional "bridge," "hub," and "reliable partner." These linguistic patterns reinforce narratives of sovereignty, economic leadership, and international cooperation while legitimizing state authority. The findings highlight the strategic use of discourse in economic diplomacy and geopolitical positioning, contributing to broader insights in political linguistics and international relations.

This study investigates the role of political discourse in shaping Azerbaijan’s economic and geopolitical identity within the context of the New Silk Road, particularly China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Middle Corridor. By applying Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the research scrutinizes speeches delivered by President Ilham Aliyev and other key Azerbaijani leaders between 2015 and 2024, uncovering how linguistic tools—such as metaphors, modality, and evaluative language—construct narratives that position Azerbaijan as a strategic "bridge," "hub," and "reliable partner" in regional connectivity.

The analysis reveals how these recurring rhetorical patterns reinforce themes of national sovereignty, economic leadership, and international collaboration, while simultaneously legitimizing state policies and authority. The study demonstrates that political leaders strategically deploy discourse to advance economic diplomacy, enhance geopolitical influence, and shape domestic and international perceptions.

By bridging political linguistics and international relations, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how language functions as a tool of soft power and policy legitimization in the context of global infrastructure and trade initiatives. The findings offer insights into the intersection of rhetoric, economic strategy, and statecraft, highlighting Azerbaijan’s evolving role in Eurasian connectivity.

Info

Tag: 17.05.2025
Anfangszeit: 11:50
Dauer: 00:30
Raum: GWZ 2.115
Track: Other
Sprache: en

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