Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Persuading Under Uncertainty: A Comparative Analysis of Bush and Obama’s Rhetorical Strategies in Intelligence Challenges

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Foad Izadi 1
Aydin Jamshidi 2

1 North American Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran

2 University of Tehran

10.22059/wsps.2026.402528.1554
Abstract
Intelligence challenges such as weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), terrorism, and cyber threats create uncertainty and incomplete information for the decision makers and people. This uncertainty could manage by the president through persuasive communication. This article examines how Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama employed rhetorical strategies to persuade domestic and international audiences in the face of intelligence-related matters. The study draws on a qualitative content analysis of presidential speeches. The study apply a new seven-category persuasion framework consisting of 25 subcategories that expands the traditional Aristotelian modes of ethos, pathos, and logos. This framework offers a more systematic framework for capturing the complexity of presidential persuasion strategy. The analysis revealed clear differences in presidential styles: Bush consistently relied on pathos, using fear appeals, urgency, and moral clarity to justify preemptive actions related to WMD and rally public support, whereas Obama focused on logos and ethos, appealing to reason, institutional trust, and credibility while framing responses as collaborative and strategic in cases involving technological intelligence activities.

Keywords

Persuasive Speech
Strategic Persuasion
Intelligence
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Surveillance
Drones
Subjects
Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 13 June 2026

  • Receive Date 22 September 2025
  • Revise Date 19 May 2026
  • Accept Date 13 June 2026

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