REPRESENTATION OF SELF AND THE OTHER IN POLITICAL WAR DISCOURSE: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF TRUMP’S STATEMENTS ON THE US–IRAN–ISRAEL CONFLICT

Abstract

This study investigates the representation of self and other in Donald Trump’s political discourse on the US–Iran–Israel conflict using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The research explores how language is used to construct political identities, shape perceptions of international actors, and legitimize foreign policy positions. Drawing on Fairclough’s three dimensional model and van Dijk’s ideological square, the study analyzes selected public statements, speeches, and media comments by Trump related to the conflict. The findings reveal that the United States is consistently represented as a powerful and legitimate actor, Israel as a strategic ally, and Iran as a primary source of threat and instability. The analysis also highlights strong patterns of ideological polarization, where positive self representation and negative other representation are systematically constructed through evaluative and emotionally charged language. The study concludes that Trump’s discourse plays an active role in constructing political realities and influencing public understanding of international conflict.