The use of discourse in the context of authoritarian diffusion
type: CreativeWork
description: This study examines discourse in the broader context of authoritarian diffusion, focusing on how state-sponsored media and diplomatic platforms construct narratives that legitimise illiberal regimes, practices, and norms. Rather than presenting discourse as a direct causal mechanism, the research explores how discursive strategies contribute to the enabling conditions previously identified in theories of authoritarian diffusion, and theories that examined concepts such as autocracy promotion, and autocracy support, particularly the reinforcement of regime legitimacy and the contestation of liberal democratic norms. The central argument is that discourse, whether in media narratives or diplomatic rhetoric, creates the communicative environment in which authoritarian governance becomes desirable and legitimate. It helps reframe key global concepts such as sovereignty, democracy, and human rights in ways that align with authoritarian interests, especially in regions where liberal democratic narratives appear weakened or contested. This study focuses on two discursive arenas: Chinese state media (CGTN Arabic) and China’s institutional rhetoric at the United Nations Security Council. While existing scholarship reviewed emphasises material tools such as economic aid, regime alliances, and partnerships, this thesis foregrounds discourse as a complementary and underexplored tool. Through critical discourse analysis of 91 CGTN Arabic articles published in the first fifteen days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, between 24th February and 10th March 2022, alongside document analysis of China's statements at the UNSC in relation to Syria through UNSC resolutions between October 2011 and May 2014, the research shows how China and its allies are discursively framed as rational, peace-seeking, and development-oriented, positioned against a destabilising and fragmented West. Narratives presented align with processes that scholars have described as norm contestation and legitimati…
abstract: This study examines discourse in the broader context of authoritarian diffusion, focusing on how state-sponsored media and diplomatic platforms construct narratives that legitimise illiberal regimes, practices, and norms. Rather than presenting discourse as a direct causal mechanism, the research explores how discursive strategies contribute to the enabling conditions previously identified in theories of authoritarian diffusion, and theories that examined concepts such as autocracy promotion, and autocracy support, particularly the reinforcement of regime legitimacy and the contestation of liberal democratic norms. The central argument is that discourse, whether in media narratives or diplomatic rhetoric, creates the communicative environment in which authoritarian governance becomes desirable and legitimate. It helps reframe key global concepts such as sovereignty, democracy, and human rights in ways that align with authoritarian interests, especially in regions where liberal democratic narratives appear weakened or contested. This study focuses on two discursive arenas: Chinese state media (CGTN Arabic) and China’s institutional rhetoric at the United Nations Security Council. While existing scholarship reviewed emphasises material tools such as economic aid, regime alliances, and partnerships, this thesis foregrounds discourse as a complementary and underexplored tool. Through critical discourse analysis of 91 CGTN Arabic articles published in the first fifteen days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, between 24th February and 10th March 2022, alongside document analysis of China's statements at the UNSC in relation to Syria through UNSC resolutions between October 2011 and May 2014, the research shows how China and its allies are discursively framed as rational, peace-seeking, and development-oriented, positioned against a destabilising and fragmented West. Narratives presented align with processes that scholars have described as norm contestation and legitimati…
author: Boutros, Julie
date published: 2025
date modified: 2026-07-24T06:01:01Z
provider: University of Westminster
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Westminster

PropertyValue
property ID: DOI
value: 10.34737/x4z1q