Research on the Narrative Hedging Paths of Discourse-Weak Countries Against Discourse-Strong Countries from the Perspective of International Discourse Power: A Case Study of Narrative Interaction Between the United States and Latin America

Juchao  Qi

doi:10.54691/ykn33878

Authors

Juchao Qi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/ykn33878

Keywords:

International Discourse Power; Narrative Hedging; US–Latin American Relations; Narrative Construction.

Abstract

Against the backdrop of a restructuring global power landscape and intensifying great-power rivalry, how discourse-weak countries respond to the narrative hegemony of discourse-strong states has become a prominent topic in international political research. The narrative interaction between the United States and Latin America constitutes a typical case of international discourse contestation. This study employs a three-dimensional analytical framework of “actor-content-mode” to systematically examine the pathways and inherent logics of narrative resistance by discourse-weak states. The United States relies on a tripartite coordination mechanism of “officials-elites-media” to construct a “leadership” status, implement hegemonic narratives, and maintain regional dominance through such means as channel monopolization, labeling, and suppression. In contrast, Latin America consolidates narrative power through regional integration, the reconstruction of autonomous development identities, and multi-level actor interaction. Focused on deconstructing neoliberal hegemony and reconstructing the connotation of autonomous development, Latin America achieves narrative diffusion by expanding diversified channels, adopting empathetic rhetoric, and conducting dynamic interaction. The core logic of “narrative resistance by weak states” is to seek the legitimacy of independent development discourse, which centers on the synergy of three dimensions: actor cohesion, content consistency, and paradigm matching. Latin America’s practice of narrative hedging indicates that discourse-weak actors can effectively undermine the legitimacy of hegemonic narratives, build consensus both domestically and internationally, and further promote autonomous development. Currently, Latin American societies still face multiple discourse dilemmas, including discursive power asymmetries, internal fragmentation, and external oppression. Its practical experience holds significant theoretical and practical implications for developing countries to enhance their international discourse power and break free from discursive dependency.

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