The Technocratic Metaphor in Russian Political Discourse

Abstract

The article focuses on studying metaphorical concepts in Russian political discourse that transfer phenomena from the domain of technology to politics. Using the tools of cognitive metaphor theory, the paper describes the reasons for the popularity of technocratic metaphors in political explanatory models in contemporary Russia. Techno-optimism of late Soviet culture, which influenced the formation of the modern Russian political lexicon, is identified as one of the main factors. At the same time, the anonymity of such metaphorical concepts is noted: it is extremely difficult to determine who and when proposed such terms in Russian political science. In the absence of a specific author and any control from scientific institutions, the same term can often take on opposing meanings and moral evaluations. Using “political technologies” as an example, the article demonstrates, on the one hand, the entrenchment of such metaphors in the language of political analysis and, on the other, the low level of scientific reflection surrounding these concepts. To overcome this contradiction, it is proposed to reconstruct the course of scientific discussion around this and other technocratic metaphors that have become established in the language of Russian political sciences. In the spirit of mapping controversies, it is necessary to determine whether a substantial debate about their meaning has actually taken place. Depending on the results of these investigations, it will be possible to judge whether technocratic metaphors make political reality more comprehensible or, conversely, are empty signifiers requiring broad discussion among specialists and consistent reconceptualization. Such work could make the language of Russian political science clearer and, as a result, more capable of accurately reflecting the complex political phenomena of contemporary Russia.