Exploring the impact of language on democracy and autocracy

The intersection of linguistics and politics offers a compelling site for exploration, particularly in the context of how discursive styles may promote, announce or express either democracy or autocracy. Historically, scholars like Harold Lasswell have posited differences in communication styles between autocrats and democrats, suggesting a dichotomy where autocratic language is impersonal repetitive, and hierarchical, while democratic communication seeks variation and a common dialogue. Despite the substantial impact of such ideas on political science, many scholars have concentrated primarily on structural and institutional narratives, often overlooking linguistic nuances. However, there is a notable gap in understanding how language itself acts as a conduit for collective political action—an area ripe for further investigation.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the complexities of Lasswell's conjecture by exploring whether democratic and autocratic discourses can indeed be distinctly characterized. Recent discourse on the subject questions the apparent simplicity of Lasswell’s style distinctions, raising the possibility that an overly metaphorical or hyperbolic approach might present new challenges to democratic ideals. This prompts an investigation into the multiplicity of styles within political elite discourse, considering whether there are more stylistic variations than previously identified.

To gather further insights into the intersection of language, psychology, and politics, we welcome contributions exploring a broad spectrum of issues. We encourage submissions that examine themes such as language and rhetoric, metaphor and hyperbole, and the nuanced cognitive dynamics of democracy and autocracy. We are particularly interested in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies that offer a nuanced understanding of these discursive processes. Contributions from fields as diverse as linguistics, psychology, political science, and beyond are welcomed to drive forward new insights into these critical interactions.

Appendix: Contributions by scholars from fields such as linguistics, psychology, international studies, political science, communications, philosophy, and history are encouraged. Perspectives must explore new or interdisciplinary avenues within the research focus.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Dictatorship, Democracy; Discourse, Rhetoric, Style, Schemata, Tropes, Translation; Cognition, Emotion; Populism, Collective Action; Parliamentary Debate/Speech/Questions

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.