Talking Conflict

In today''s information era the use of specific words and language can serve as powerful tools that incite violenceor sanitize and conceal the ugliness of war. This book examines the complex twisted language of conflict.Why is the term collateral damage used when military strikes kill civilians? What is a catastrophic success? What is the difference between a privileged and unprivileged enemy belligerent? How does deterrence differ from detente? What does hybrid warfare mean and how is it different from asymmetric warfare? How is shell shock different from battle fatigue and PTSD? These are only a few of the questions that Talking Conflict: The Loaded Language of Genocide Political Violence Terrorism and Warfare answers in its exploration of euphemisms warspeak doublespeak and propagandistic terms.This handbook of alphabetically listed entries is prefaced by an introductory overview that provides background information about how language is used to obfuscate or minimize descriptions of armed conflict or genocide and presents examples of the major rhetorical devices used in this subject matter. The book focuses on the loaded language of conflict with many of the entries demonstrating the function of given terms as euphemisms propaganda or circumlocutions. Each entry is accompanied by a list of cross references and Further Reading suggestions that point readers to pertinent sources for further research. This book is ideal for studentsespecially those studying political science international relations and genocideas well as general readers.