Rhetoric of State and Institutional Images: Theory, Methods, and Cases

Rhetoric of State and Institutional Images is a groundbreaking work that redefines the scope of contemporary rhetoric. Moving beyond traditional literary analysis, Hu Fanzhu develops a comprehensive framework—integrating theory, methods, and case studies—for understanding how states and institutions construct, project, and negotiate their images through language. Drawing on real‑world events such as crisis management, government press conferences, legal discourse, language policy, and international Chinese education, the book introduces innovative tools like “case‑base rhetoric” and “experimental rhetoric.” It also addresses critical issues of speaker identity, public trust, cross‑cultural understanding, and emotional geopolitics. Essential for scholars in linguistics, communication, political science, and international relations, this volume demonstrates how rhetorical analysis can actively contribute to social development and global dialogue.