Advances in the History of Rhetoric Jan 2017

Performing Prudence: Barack Obama’s Defense of NSA Surveillance Programs

Svilen Veselinov Trifonov University of Minnesota

Abstract

ABSTRACT With this essay, I present an argument about the performative and perceptual nature of prudence. I support my argument through a case study in which I examine Barack Obama’s response to Edward Snowden’s unauthorized disclosures about NSA surveillance programs as a way to observe prudence in practice. In my analysis, I identify three ways in which Obama performed prudence. First, he established his image as a prudent and informed leader. Second, he established surveillance as a prudent and historically effective practice ensuring national security. Third, he established the contemporary policy of surveillance as a prudent and deliberate choice reached through discussion and participation by all citizens.

Journal
Advances in the History of Rhetoric
Published
2017-01-02
DOI
10.1080/15362426.2016.1271752
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Topics
qualitative research editorial matter
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Kretsinger-Harries (2021)
    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Second Emancipation Proclamation: Reimagining Prud…
    Rhetoric & Public Affairs

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    Prudence: Classical Virtue, Postmodern Practice
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CrossRef global citation count: 3 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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