Frihetskamp eller islamistisk terror? Tjetjenienkonflikten i efterdyningarna av 9/11

Sammanfattning: This thesis rests on the theory and methodology of discourse theory. By viewing social reality as constituted by discourses, meanings that are taken for granted can be challenged. The events of September 11th 2001 resulted in the American war on terror. This thesis explores the impact of 9/11 and the war on terror on the Russian image of the conflict in Chechnya. Discourse theory is applied to shed light on how the conflict over Chechnya is discursively constructed by the Russian state and media. The discourse is organized in three thematic sections: Identity, Enemy Images and Islam. Russia establishes itself as a member of the Western civilisation. The Chechens are degraded to either Islamic extremists or helpless victims. The religion of Islam is depicted as backward, but this image is challenged by the image of Islam as an integral part of Russian society. There are clearly influences from Bush's discourse; the most important influence being the establishment of the dichotomy civilized/barbaric. However the discursive strategies of the Russian state have not been very successful concerning the legitimacy of its? policy in Chechnya. Russia is still subjected to strong criticism from the world community.