Terrorism: a weapon for both sides?

Abstract

In this thesis a political discourse analysis will examine to what extend the securitization theory is able to explain the framing pattern that is used by candidate Trump in the run-up to the 2016 elections. Framing can be done in different ways with divergent functions. Trump is seen as a (potentially) misleading guide to where terrorism originates, namely by creating an alarming picture of the Islam, the Middle East and its adherents. The outcome is that candidate Donald Trump did frame the Islam and its adherents to a certain extend by using securitization theory in during his campaign.