The U.S. Discursive Logic in Defining Terrorism: Representation of Hezbollah and Tahrir al-Sham

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in International Relations and Lecturer, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Ilam, Ilam, Iran

2 Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.

3 Corresponding Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Lorestan, Khorramabad, Iran.

Abstract

Counterterrorism is one of the key strategies of the United States in the international system. However, evidence suggests that this effort lacks fixed principles and criteria, being primarily defined within the framework of U.S. geopolitical interests and discursive logic. A clear example of this approach is the U.S.’s dual stance toward Hezbollah and Tahrir al-Sham. This research, therefore, seeks to answer the question: How does the U.S. discursive logic shape the representation of terrorism? The study hypothesizes that the U.S. discursive logic leads to the representation of terrorism based more on the political and ideological identity of groups rather than their actual nature. Consequently, groups opposing U.S. interests are labeled as terrorist, whereas those aligned with its interests are less likely to receive this designation. Based on a descriptive-analytical approach and document-based research within Teun A. van Dijk’s ideological framework, the findings reveal that the binary opposition of "us" versus "them," or the "with us or against us" logic, is the fundamental principle in the U.S. definition of terrorism. According to this perspective, regardless of their actual nature, Hezbollah is categorized as the "other" under the concept of terrorism, whereas the terrorist label applied to Tahrir al-Sham, as an "insider," is significantly downplayed.

Keywords

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References

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American Strategic Studies
Volume 4, Issue 4 - Serial Number 16
Serial number 16 - Winter 2025
February 2025
Pages 137-159

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 February 2025
  • Publish Date: 24 February 2025

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