Metaphors and Foreign Policy Decision Making

Abstract

Drawing on theory and research from linguistics, cognitive psychology, and foreign policy analysis, this essay begins to explore the possible role metaphors (in comparison with historical analogies) might play in foreign policy decision making. The case is made that there is every reason to expect metaphors to play an important role in shaping a decision maker's analysis, thus influencing his/her policy choices. The role played by metaphors is, however, likely to be very different than is the case for historical analogies because of the key differences between metaphors and analogies. These points are illustrated by looking at the role of the Munich analogy in comparison to the domino metaphor used by U.S. decision makers during the Cold War.