Lexical and Metaphorical Aspects of the Concept of War On the Material of the Russian War Against Ukraine and Its Representation in the Contemporary American Media

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of lexical and metaphorical aspects of the concept of war on the basis of the Russian war against Ukraine (2022–present) and its representation in the contamporary American media. Throughout the history, individuals have been in conflict with one another over territories, political ideologies, and spiritual beliefs. Experts from various fields study the problem of war exploring its causes and dynamics, attempting to predict the course of conflicts, prevent the horrific actions of warring parties, and understand the consequences. They also examine the impact of war on the economy, the environment, international relations, and the population of a country. Therefore, the concept of war remains a highly debated topic. Jonathan Littell, Timothy Snyder, Jacobus Delwaide, and others provide a nuanced analysis that touches upon various viewpoints and interpretations related to the war in Ukraine, namely geopolitical struggle, information warfare, hybrid warfare, power dynamics, national identity, and resistance, unintended consequences, strategic chessboard, global implifications, and imparial ambitions. The lexical and metaphorical aspects of the concept of war are analyzed on the chosen material. Metaphorically, the articles present the war as a strategic chessboard where different players make calculated moves to achieve their objectives. It becomes a geopolitical chess match, a struggle for influence akin to a tug of war, and a narrative battlefield where media narratives play a decisive role. The lexical choices and metaphorical nuances collectively weave a complex tapestry that invites readers to delve into the intricate layers of the ongoing war in Ukraine.