War of Words: The Impact of Dehumanizing Military Metaphors on U.S. Military Deployments Post 9/11

Abstract

This capstone project investigates the use of dehumanizing military metaphors in U.S. political speeches and media discourse following the September 11, 2001 attacks, focusing on the rhetoric of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during their first terms. The study explores how these metaphors, often framed within themes such as “us-vs-them”, a faceless “Other”, “good-vs-evil”, and the “protection of freedom”, serve as powerful tools of political persuasion. Through content analysis and the application of the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), the research reveals how these metaphors simplify complex geopolitical conflicts, influence public perception through media coverage, and justify military engagements. The capstone project highlights the evolution and persistence of these metaphors across administrations, emphasizing the real-world human costs of military actions, and ultimately advocating for more ethical and transparent communication strategies in political discourse.