ABSTRACT
A portion of the strength that monster metaphors acquire is derived from forming strategic alliances with people and organizations who benefit from their dominance. A common combination takes the form of a triple alliance between the monster, an institutional elite (such as a politician or university director) and an economic elite (such as a wealthy person or a corporate boss). Such alliances contribute to the monster's dominance as well as advancing the interests of other parties in terms of power, profits and persuasion. One example from each of the four previous case studies is used to illustrate ways in which these alliances are used for mutual gain and for canceling out alternative perspectives.
