ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
384
BEYOND NATIONAL BORDERS: AN ANALYSIS OF CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE
KIRCHNER'S INTERNATIONAL SPEECH
Mirzaeva M.S.
University of World Economy and Diplomacy, Tashkent.
Sultanova E.S.
Scientific Supervisor.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11624457
Abstract.
This article delves into the international discourse of Cristina Fernandez de
Kirchner, former President of Argentina, focusing on her final address to the UN General
Assembly in 2015. While previous research on Latin American female presidents primarily
examined domestic speeches, this analysis highlights the significance of their international
pronouncements. Kirchner's speech, widely reported in Argentina, is characterized by its forceful
critique of global financial institutions, international funds, and the Obama administration's
policies toward Argentina and other nations. The article explores the underlying themes of the
speech, which revolve around global issues, Argentina's specific challenges, and the situation in
Latin America. Despite her direct criticism, Kirchner emphasizes the importance of prioritizing
national interests without isolating oneself from the international community. The article
ultimately argues that Fernandez's speech offers valuable insights into her political style and the
broader context of Latin American leadership on the global stage. It demonstrates her commitment
to honesty and clear communication, while showcasing her understanding of the
interconnectedness of global challenges.
Keywords:
International discourse, UN General Assembly, Global financial institutions,
National interests, International community, Political style, Honesty, Clear communication,
Interconnectedness of global challenges.
ЗА ПРЕДЕЛАМИ НАЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ ГРАНИЦ: АНАЛИЗ
МЕЖДУНАРОДНОЙ РЕЧИ КРИСТИНЫ ФЕРНАНДЕС ДЕ КИРШНЕР
Аннотация.
В данной статье рассматривается международный дискурс
Кристины Фернандес де Киршнер, бывшего президента Аргентины, с акцентом на ее
заключительное обращение к Генеральной Ассамблее ООН в 2015 году. В то время как
предыдущие исследования латиноамериканских женщин-президентов в основном изучали
внутренние речи, этот анализ подчеркивает значение их международных заявлений. Речь
Киршнера, широко освещавшаяся в Аргентине, характеризуется резкой критикой
глобальных финансовых институтов, международных фондов и политики администрации
Обамы в отношении Аргентины и других стран. В статье исследуются основные темы
выступления, которые вращаются вокруг глобальных проблем, конкретных проблем
Аргентины и ситуации в Латинской Америке. Несмотря на свою прямую критику,
Киршнер подчеркивает важность расставлять приоритеты национальных интересов, не
изолируя себя от международного сообщества. В конечном итоге в статье
утверждается, что речь Фернандес дает ценную информацию о ее политическом стиле и
более широком контексте латиноамериканского лидерства на мировой арене. Это
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
385
демонстрирует ее приверженность честности и четкому общению, а также понимание
взаимосвязи глобальных проблем.
Ключевые слова:
Международный дискурс, Генеральная Ассамблея ООН,
Глобальные финансовые институты, Национальные интересы, Международное
сообщество, Политический стиль, Честность, Четкая коммуникация, Взаимосвязь
глобальных вызовов.
Previous research on Latin American female presidents primarily focused on their speeches
delivered on the international stage.(1) However, their international speeches, addressed to foreign
audiences and global political leaders, are equally insightful. This article highlights the discursive
legacy of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, former President of Argentina. Her two terms in office
had a significant impact on Argentina's political landscape and the broader Latin American region,
while also contributing to global political discourse.
To fully understand Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's political style, it's crucial to examine
her speeches at the international stage, particularly within the United Nations. Her final address to
the UN General Assembly in 2015 serves as a prime example. This speech, widely reported in the
Argentine media, was notably forceful. Kirchner addressed not only Argentina's challenges but
also sharply criticized global financial institutions, international funds, and the Obama
administration's policies towards Argentina and other nations. (3)
Later, she justified her strong tone, emphasizing that prioritizing one's country's interests
doesn't equate to isolation. She acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity of international
politics.
However, Kirchner's speech was also direct and honest. She stated her intention clearly: "I
didn't come here to be a hypocrite and lie. I'm here to tell you about things that are really happening
in the world." (4) Fernandez's UN speech can be structured into three main themes: global issues,
Argentina's specific challenges, and the situation in Latin America. While she frequently connects
local examples to broader global analysis, she does so in a clear and logical manner. For instance,
when addressing Argentina's struggles, she aptly describes the interconnected nature of today's
world: "The world of communications, the internet born from globalization, which some
envisioned as a tool for global control, has become a powerful communication channel for the
entire "global village", where events are instantly known worldwide." (5)
She then delves into pressing global issues, offering a realistic and objective picture of the
current reality: a world grappling with economic crises, conflicts, terrorism, regional wars,
inequality, and violence. From this analysis, she draws clear conclusions: "Global finance cannot
continue to control the political process", "hypocrisy has no place in global diplomacy", "we
cannot rely on outdated methods of international intrigue", and "political, social, and cultural
conflicts are not solved through violence but through dialogue and discussion." (5) Fernandez
highlights the complex economic situation in Argentina, emphasizing the external pressures they
face. She criticizes US organizations funded by speculative interests, accusing them of slander and
creating difficulties for Argentina under the pretense of opposing Iran. She rhetorically asks, "If
we are collaborators with the Iranian regime, who is Barack Obama? Also an accomplice?".(5)
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
386
However, Fernandez avoids excessive negativity or pessimism. She acknowledges that
while debt, economic issues, terrorism, and conspiracies are serious concerns, there are also
positive developments worth celebrating. She considers the UN General Assembly's adoption of a
resolution on restructuring external debt as a significant victory for the global community. She
advocates for an additional principle in this process: the principle of basic economic logic, which
her late husband, Nestor Kirchner, successfully applied when he refused to pay Argentina's
massive debt after the 2001-2003 default, famously stating, "Dead debts do not pay." By recalling
her husband's actions, she underscores his success in rescuing Argentina from financial servitude.
Fernandez recognized the historical significance of Cuba's return to the UN after nearly 20
years, praising the presence of Fidel Castro, whom she described as a "president and comrade
whom I love and admire." She celebrated this achievement as a victory for Latin America,
particularly for Cuba, and acknowledged the efforts of MERCOSUR, UNASUR, and CELAC in
making it happen. She also acknowledged the Obama administration's change in approach, stating
that they "finally opened their eyes and realized that events cannot continue to develop as before."
(5)
Concluding her speech, Fernandez, emphasizing her identity as a "daughter of Latin
America" and a passionate Argentinian patriot, returned to the future of Argentina and the region.
She highlighted the main achievement of her presidency (and the Peronist Party): "We
managed to restore the country." (5) Yet, she doesn't stop there. She outlined the ultimate goal for
Argentina: "to become a fairer and more equal society." (5) Fernandez's UN speech is not only
well-structured and logically presented, but it also showcases a masterful use of language,
employing a diverse array of vocabulary and techniques. For instance, when addressing the global
economy, she incorporates modern economic terminology such as "macroeconomics,"
"globalization," "default," "real economy," "restructuring of external debt," "investment banks,"
"emerging economies," "speculative funds," "eurozone," "recession," "economic transparency,"
"regulation," and "integration." She also utilizes various socio-political terms like "coup d'état,"
"regime," "parliament," "congress," "public order," "government," "presidential rule," "deputy,"
"state institutions," "citizens," and "gender equality." Her speech further includes legal and
international legal concepts like "jurisdiction," "legitimacy," "sovereignty," "legislation,"
"agreements," "institutionalism," "judicial system," "extradition," "refugees," "declaration," and
"rights." Diplomatic terms like "geopolitics," "diplomatic relations," "nuclear non-proliferation,"
"negotiations," "memorandum of understanding," "ambassadors," and "US State Department" are
also present. (5) Furthermore, the speech is replete with names of international organizations and
their structures: UN Security Council, General Assembly, International Nuclear Weapons Control
Organization, G20, International Monetary Fund, Interpol, regional associations MERCOSUR,
UNASUR, and CELAC. It also mentions prominent political figures like Barack Obama, Xi
Jinping, Fidel Castro, and Nestor Kirchner. Geographic names are frequently used, including
continents (Europe, America, Africa) and specific countries (USA, China, Belgium, Italy, Spain,
Greece, Argentina, Cuba). (5) Fernandez's speech effectively utilizes common journalistic clichés
such as "American dream," "Asian giants," "champions of war," "the West," and "White House,"
highlighting her awareness of popular narratives. She also incorporates figurative language,
comparing the global economy to a stalled train, Wall Street to the heart of global finance,
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
387
international financial funds to robbers, and global production to a generator of human well-being.
(5) Fernandez deftly connects Argentina's challenges with global issues, placing them within a
broader context of worldwide processes. She effectively moves from the specific to the general,
demonstrating a mature understanding of both her country's role and global politics. Her speech
showcases her high level of knowledge, intelligence, and education, coupled with an impressive
understanding of global and regional problems as well as Argentina's specific challenges. She
embodies the principle of "speaking about complex things in a simple way," where "simple"
doesn't mean simplistic but rather clear, reasoned, convincing, engaging, and lively. Her rich
vocabulary and masterful use of oratorical techniques allow her to communicate effectively and
achieve her goals.
Conclusion:
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's final speech at the UN General Assembly
in 2015 exemplifies her political style. It was a powerful and direct address where she criticized
global financial institutions, the Obama administration's policies, and the hypocrisy of
international diplomacy. While prioritizing Argentina's interests, she emphasized the need for open
dialogue and cooperation within the international community. The speech delved into three key
themes: global challenges, Argentina's specific struggles, and the situation in Latin America.
Kirchner connected these issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of the world,
particularly through globalization and communication. She criticized US policies toward
Argentina and called for a more equitable approach to economic issues, urging global finance to
relinquish its control over the political process. Despite addressing challenging issues like debt,
economic struggles, and global conflicts, Fernandez remained optimistic. She celebrated the UN
General Assembly's resolution on restructuring external debt and advocated for a principle of
economic logic. Ultimately, the speech showcased her commitment to honesty, clear
communication, and finding solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
REFERENCES
1.
Burlak T.A. Features of the political course of the ex-president Argentina Cristina Fernandez
de Kirchner (2007-2015) // Iberoan American notebooks. 2016. No. 51. P. 28-42.
2.
Koptelova I.E. Conventional themes in the ritualized political discourse // Politics and culture:
space of play. Sat. scientific articles. Budapest-Kirov. 2020. pp. 167-172.
3.
Sofronova L.V. Discursive and stylistic features of presidential political speech depending
on its addressee // Political linguistics. 2020. No. 3 (81). pp. 110-118.
4.
http://www.efkargentina.com/entrevista-de-cristina-fernandez-de-kirchner-para-c5n-con-
gustavo-sylvestre/entrevista de Cristina Kirchner luego de su discurso en la ONU.
5.
http://www.casarosada.gob.ar/informacion/discursos/29099-70-asamblea-general-de-las-
naciones-unidas-palabras-de-la-presidenta-de-la-nacion.
