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Tactic: Issue Reframing

Summary: Issue reframing involves shifting interpretive emphasis of contested topics toward broader narrative frames (e.g., security, development) [src:source-oxford-journal-nationalism-2021].

Source-Based Description:

  • Academic comparative study documents reframing in nationalist contexts [src:source-oxford-journal-nationalism-2021].
  • Media coverage observes rhetorical pivot sequences during campaign debates [src:source-reuters-2019-campaign].
  • Manifesto references integrate multi-theme justification [src:source-bjp-manifesto-2019].

Mechanisms:

  • Re-contextualization of specific policy criticism within macro narrative.
  • Deployment across speeches and digital channels [src:source-thehindu-digital-2020].

Observed Outcomes: Sustained narrative continuity despite episodic contestation (reported) [src:source-reuters-2019-campaign].

Counter-Responses: Opposition attempts isolating specific sub-issues outside macro frames.

Independent Verification Path:

  1. Compare pre- and post-event speech transcripts.
  2. Identify thematic keyword substitution patterns.

Limits: Attribution of intentionality cannot be confirmed externally.

Alternative Interpretations: Reframing may reflect adaptive audience resonance rather than strategic pre-planning.

References: Listed in sources.