The Character of the Democratic Hero - Carol Nackenoff: The Fictional Republic: Horatio Alger and American Political Discourse. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994. Pp. xii, 364, $35.00.)

1996 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-165
Author(s):  
Bruce Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Political Discourse ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
Horatio Alger ◽  
Oxford University Press

Saddam’s Word: Political Discourse in Iraq. By Ofra Bengio. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. 266p. $49.95.

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 491-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amatzia Baram
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Political Discourse ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
Cult Of Personality ◽  
The Way ◽  
Oxford University Press

Ofra Bengio's book is a scholarly and methodical endeavor to analyze the way in which Ba`thi Iraq (1968-present) has been using (or misusing) the Arabic language, symbolism, history, and myths in order to legitimize its rule and policies. Bengio demonstrates how language has been twisted and manipu- lated in an attempt to terrorize political enemies, paralyze and enchant the vast majority of the Iraqis, induce them to perform or tolerate atrocities, and risk their lives in battle for leader and country. Sometimes, the regime is entrapped in its own rhetoric. The book shows how discourse, art, and symbols have been used to construct a cult of personality for Saddam Husayn, unmatched in the contemporary Middle East.

scholarly journals Book Review: Public International Law: An Australian Perspective

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 471
Author(s):  
Angela MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Political Discourse ◽  
Public International Law ◽  
Contemporary World ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
Legal Arguments ◽  
Broad Interest ◽  
Oxford University Press ◽  
Geopolitical Context

This article is a book review of Sam Blay, Ryszard Piotrowicz and Martin Tsamenyi (eds) Public International Law: An Australian Perspective, (2 ed, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 2005) (424 + xl pages) NZ$95. The book explains and illuminates the complexities of international law in the contemporary world from an Australian perspective. MacDonald praises the authors for acknowledging the geopolitical context in which conventions were agreed, and in which contemporary decisions are made by governments. Given the broad interest in international law and actions taken in its name, and given the misreporting and misuse of legal arguments in modern political discourse and public commentary, MacDonald recommends the book to students of all disciplines, journalists, commentators and politicians alike. 

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