THE CONSTRUCTIVIST ANALYSIS OF NARRATIVE BUILDING BY PAKISTAN AND INDIA THROUGH OFFICIAL STATEMENTS DURING MAY 2025 CONFLICT
Keywords:
Constructivist Analysis, India, Narrative, Official Statements, PakistanAbstract
Pakistan and India are two hostile nations with various territorial and identity differences since their inception in 1947. Kashmir is the root cause of border tensions between the two states. In May 2025, Pakistan and India engaged in a four-day war over this issue. The constructivist framework looks beyond material and strategic gains and focuses on ideas, norms, and perceptions that shape state behavior. Both states built narratives after the Pahalgam incident, portraying themselves as responsible states and victims of terrorism. This study uses a constructivist lens to analyze official statements and speeches from both countries. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) reveals how language was employed to shape national and international perceptions. India emphasized self-defense and secularism, while Pakistan stressed sovereignty, ideology, and regional balance. The study argues that Kashmir is not merely a territorial issue but also an identity issue for both states.
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