ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the inception of the war on terror discourse. It provides a partly descriptive or background function and includes aspects of genealogical inquiry. The genealogy method of Michel Foucault will be utilised to provide historical context, while analysis of the language of the war on terror will be undertaken using the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) method. This is a unique methodological combination: the cautious poststructuralism of Foucault coupled with the more transformative agenda of CDA. The book focuses on some key moments in Australia's history in order to better contextualise Howard's decision to support Australian involvement in the US-led war on terror. It summarizes key findings and highlights some of the hopeful paths offered by those who have recognised the dangerous nature of the war on terror discourse or aspects of it.
