Discursive Analytical Strategies

'Discursive Analytical Strategies' by Neils Alerstrom Andersen, Policy 2003

In this book Neils Akerstrom Andersen collects the theoretical analytical strategies of Foucault, Koselleck, Laclau, and Luhmann.

The writer who has apparently been translating extensively from these four people tries to provide a sketch of these figures’ writings and at times tries to find a way to connect their analytical tools.

I found his account of Foucault very useful and helpful where he gives a simple understandable account of what Foucault has been saying in his different works and what has emerged based on his theories. It helped me understand why Foucault is a source of reference for many scholars.

The next figure was Lacalu whom I found interesting and relevant to discourse analysis. Niels' account of Laclau under the title of 'Discourse Theory of Ernesto Laclau' seems like a relevant and useful reference for theories of what is being done under the general title of CDA.

The book in general clarified -to some extend- some of the concepts which have been lingering in my mind for some time. Like the concept of Derrida's deconstruction which is touched upon on page 57 under the heading of 'Origins and definition of Deconstruction'.

There is an interesting section in the book; 'Appendix B: Further reading' where he classifies the research which have been inspired by the theories of these above mentioned figures.

Ruth Wodak’s 'Disorders of Discourse' and her 2000 publication 'From Conflict to Consensus' have been mentioned under Foucault and Luhmann sections respectively.