What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore the use of apocalyptic rhetoric in U.S. political communication and its implications for power and discourse.

April 10, 2026Open Access

Performative Apocalypse: Rhetoric, Power, and Absurdity in Contemporary U.S. Political Communication and Kubrickian Satire

Key Points

The aim is to explore the use of apocalyptic rhetoric in U.S. political communication and its implications for power and discourse.
Conducted a case study on the 2026 U.S.–Iran crisis rhetoric by Donald Trump.
Applied rhetorical analysis to understand the language used in political communication.
Utilized deterrence theory and securitization theory to frame the analysis of power dynamics.
Considered impacts under international humanitarian law.
Developed the concept of performative apocalyptic deterrence.
Identified normalization of catastrophic discourse in political rhetoric.
Compared contemporary rhetoric to the satire presented in Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove.

Abstract

This paper examines apocalyptic political rhetoric, executive power, and the normalization of catastrophic discourse in contemporary U.S. political communication. Through a case study of 2026 U.S.–Iran crisis rhetoric attributed to Donald Trump, it develops the concept of performative apocalyptic deterrence and compares this rhetoric to the structural satire of Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove. The paper applies rhetorical analysis, deterrence theory, securitization theory, and media ecology, while also considering legal and normative implications under international humanitarian law. Deposited here as a publication-ready PDF with Chicago-style notes, bibliography, DOI reference, and AI Transparency Statement.

Performative Apocalypse: Rhetoric, Power, and Absurdity in Contemporary U.S. Political Communication and Kubrickian Satire

Key Points

Abstract

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