Analysis of the functions of political metaphors in the rhetoric of leaders in the context of socio-political conflicts

Abstract

In conditions of socio-political tension, the political rhetoric of the leaders becomes particularly important, since their speeches have a direct impact on public opinion and the mood of the masses. The use of metaphors as a rhetorical tool creates effective means to simplify complex concepts, enhance emotional engagement, and form a group identity. This article is devoted to the study of the functions of political metaphors in the rhetoric of leaders during periods of social and political conflicts. Qualitative and quantitative methods of studying the texts of public speeches of managers in the context of social crises were used for the analysis. The research material includes texts, speeches, and public statements by both domestic and international leaders. Within the framework of the methodology, a discursive analysis was used to identify key metaphors. Each metaphor was classified based on its function (mobilization, justification of government actions, emotional integration, etc.). It was revealed that the most frequently used types of metaphors in the context of socio-political conflicts are war, path, and health (for example, "fighting the crisis," "getting out of the tunnel," etc.). These metaphors help to structure the perception of a difficult social situation, consolidate the image of a leader as a crisis manager, as well as emotionally rally the audience around the proposed solutions. The emotional component of metaphors creates the illusion of control and predictability in uncertain circumstances. The discovered functions emphasize the key role of metaphors in legitimizing government actions, strengthening political support, and shaping the image of opponents, which can both stabilize society and exacerbate conflict. The use of metaphors is an important rhetorical element of political discourse, especially in times of crisis. Understanding their structure and functions provides valuable tools for analyzing political interactions and predicting public reactions.