Citation

Adib-Moghaddam A. Crit. Stud. Terror. 2009; 2(3): 512-526.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/17539150903306238

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Iranian–American relations have been beset by mistrust and occasional outbreaks of vitriol and violence for the past three decades. In this article I attempt to map, theoretically and empirically, the ‘discursive field’ in which relations between Iran and the United States reveal themselves. I am interested in representations of Iran and the United States, and how the fundamental friend–enemy distinction setting the two countries politically apart has come about. I take as a starting point the fact that discourse has a real and present impact on policy and that a lot of what is happening in world politics can be adequately contextualised with an appreciation of the linkages between ‘utterance’ and ‘action’.