News Science Quarterly (NS)

News Science Quarterly (NS)

Discursive Diplomacy of the 2022 Iran Protests and Global Media (A Case Study of Israel's Jerusalem Post)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hassan Bashir 1
Fateme Heidari 2
Payam kaeini Qomi 3
1 Correspondence Author, Professor of Culture and Communication, College of Islamic Studies, Culture and Communication, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: bashir@isu.ac.ir
2 PhD. candidate, Media Management, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran. E-mail: f.heidari@urd.ac.ir
3 M.A Media Management Tehran University, Tehran, Iran. Email: payamkaeni@gmail.com
10.22034/lrsi.2024.492182.1287
Abstract
Objective: The primary goal of this research is to examine the discourse diplomacy surrounding the unrest of 2022 (1401 in the Iranian calendar) and analyze the narratives of news and reports published by foreign media, with a case study focusing on the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post. This study aims to provide a deeper insight into the propaganda strategies and psychological operations of such media, which often reflect the overarching policies of the countries they represent. Additionally, it highlights the significance of recognizing these tactics to develop counter-narratives and neutralize their effects effectively
Methods: This research employs the Practical Discourse Analysis Method (PDAM) to investigate the subject. The analysis is carried out across five levels: surface-to-surface, depth-to-surface, surface-to-depth, deep-level, and deeper-level. These levels illustrate the patterns of discourse diplomacy utilized by The Jerusalem Post in its coverage of the unrest and in Riots Iran during2022.
Results: The Jerusalem Post sought to internationalize Iran's protests, create a dichotomy between the people and the government, and amplify claims of state violence against citizens. The newspaper aimed to position the public in opposition to the regime, thereby paving the way for potential fundamental changes in Iran.Using tactics such as rumor-mongering, disseminating false information, exaggerating fabricated incidents of violence, and fostering regional tensions, the newspaper constructed an anti-Iranian discourse. The analysis of 23 news reports from The Jerusalem Post reveals the deliberate use of psychological operations to advance these objectives
Conclusions: The unrest of 2022 not only brought structural shifts within Iranian society but also attracted widespread attention from international media. Global outlets were not merely reporting on Iran’s developments in real time; they actively engaged in discourse construction and narrative-building to influence the mindset of Iranian citizens. Another significant goal was to shape global perceptions of Iran’s situation to map out future strategies for interaction with the government and the Iranian people.
Keywords
Iran Protests
Jerusalem Post
Discursive Diplomacy
Representation
Practical Discourse Analysis Method (PDAM)
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