RhetoricaLens.info

RhetoricaLens' Mission

RhetoricaLens is designed to support foreign affairs policy development and advocacy by highlighting areas of common interest and inquiry within the communications discipline.  Information on this site can introduce the value of contemporary rhetorical theory and criticism to subject matter experts, and encourage further rhetorical scholarship in the domains of security, terrorism and public diplomacy. 

Site Orientation

§        Informal opinion on current issues in security, terrorism and public diplomacy can be found under Musings and Commentary. 

§       The Papers and Primers section presents more substantive authored works, developed mostly through the doctoral studies program at the University of Maryland.

§       Contributions from the communications discipline, including bibliographic essays, can be found under Literature Reviews. 

§       Double Takes suggests a rhetorical-critical view on articles presented in foreign affairs journals, and vice versa.  Here also we recognize essays and articles cross-fertilizing rhetorical and security studies. 

§       The "Professional Experience" section details my c.v. and personal interests for the benefit of the curious. 

One Thread of a Richly Textured Agenda

Scholars of contemporary rhetorical theory and criticism have made serious contributions to post-9/11 thought, with particular attention to media discourse and news narratives, presidential address, and American perceptions of terrorism.  

Areas of inquiry suggested by the literature include changes in terrorist group motives and objectives; hypothesis generation; the life cycle of ideological movements; charismatic leadership and recruitment; public healing and support; identity formation and expression; and the interplay of public opinion, media frames and policy objectives. 

Study within these areas can be enriched by a thorough understanding of how information and communication technologies are impacting the communications environment.  

Questions or Comments?  Email me at m.karen@rhetoricalens.info