THE TOPOS OF GERMANY’S LEADING ROLE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Abstract

The article uses the argumentative and analytical method to analyze the topos of German leadership in the German-language media. On the basis of the topos analysis, the linguistic patterns of argumentation (topos) which are characteristic of the war discourse are identified. We define a topos as an argument, a generally significant statement or theme that is derived from the syntactic constructions “If <…>” and “Because <…>”. Topoi of argumentation serve to legitimize certain positions and are the thought structures of an approach to solving a particular political problem. Based on the materials of the German press (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Berliner Zeitung, Tageszeitung, Neues Deutschland) for the period from February 24, 2022 and until recently, the following formal patterns of argumentation have been identified: survival (Überleben), pressure (Druck), hesitation (Zögern), violation of international law (Völkerrechtsverletzung), fictitious peace policy (Scheinfriedenspolitik), danger (Gefahr), turning point (Wendepunkt), Germany’s leading role (führende Rolle Deutschlands), circular exchange of arms supplies (Ringtausch von Waffenlieferungen), goal (Zweck), etc. The study analyzes the topoi that reveal the position of the German government and the German public on the supply of weapons to Ukraine, which is supported by arguments “for” and “against”. The keyword “arms supply” (“Waffenlieferung”) acquires new shades of meaning in the context of Russian aggression – the supply of weapons as a necessity for winning and ending the war, protecting the population and saving lives, restoring territorial unity and protecting peaceful European unity. The concept of WAFFENLIEFERUNG is multidimensional and establishes associative links with political, military, social, public, moral, and religious contexts.