CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS FOR STUDYING DISINFORMATION

Abstract

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is one of productive research methods in the realm of Political Science. It is urgent to specify the relevance of critical discourse analysis as a method of studying disinformation in view of the ongoing fight between democracy and authoritarianism worldwide. For the purpose of outlining the relevance of critical discourse analysis as a method of studying disinformation, the author has utilized the method of case study. As a result, it can be stated that critical discourse analysis is a productive method for studying disinformation. Critical discourse analysis stresses construction of social identities, which can help to study the nature of disinformation campaigns aimed at creating and promoting particular political narratives and reaching wider audiences with the purpose of misleading and confusing. Critical discourse analysis of disinformation spreading can help to deconstruct mechanisms with the help of which the issues of language and power can be manipulated to achieve particular political gains. This is especially urgent in the current so-called era of «post-truth» when opinions and biases can often be more influential than facts and figures. Disinformation campaign have been widely spread globally, especially since 2016 U.S. presidential elections and Brexit referendum in Great Britain. Disinformation is also widely utilized in the information dimension of the ongoing russia-Ukraine war with the purpose of misleading different audiences and achieving political and military gains. It can be concluded that critical discourse analysis is one of the promising qualitative methods of disinformation research. In particular, it is urgent in the context of strengthening of the global confrontation between authoritarianism and democracy. This method can be productively used for researching disinformation in political contexts.