Discourse analysis from an international relations perspective: the case study of Tucker Carlson’s televised interview with Vladimir Putin

Objective: This research examines Putin’s discourse in the Tucker Carlson interview of 6 February 2024 through the lens of international relations theories. The objective is to identify the main topics, themes and arguments put forward by the Russian president in a political discourse within the context of a war. Methodology: This study outlines the main premises, postulates, and theoretical contributions of prominent American international relations authors, with an emphasis on realism and liberal movements. Exploratory, descriptive and qualitative research methods were employed, based on content and thematic analysis, as part of the discourse analysis. The main themes, statements and keywords of the narrative are identified and systematically compared with the explanations and interpretations of the Ukraine war according to leading theorists. Results: The findings corroborate prior research that indicates a realist ideological substrate in Putin’s discourse. Nevertheless, arguments and premises based on neoliberal theory are also found, as well as the undeniable protagonism of historical and cultural factors in his arguments, suggesting the relevance of history with a nationalist perspective in his narrative. Limitations: Further research may elucidate the significance of nationalism and historical arguments in Putin’s discourse, as well as the notion of the Russian world. In this regard, analysing his discourse according to Russian theorists may offer new insights. Contribution: This research contributes to establishing a methodological framework for the study of political discourse in the context of a war conflict. Furthermore, this research facilitates a more comprehensive analysis of Putin’s discourses in other contexts, as well as a comparison of his narrative with other key messages of Russian propaganda.