MORAL LEADERSHIP IN GLOBAL DIPLOMACY: A LINGUISTIC AND CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF PRESIDENT PRABOWO’S UNGA SPEECH

Abstract

The study examines President Prabowo Subianto's speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 2025 using a Critical Discourse Analysis, Speech Act Theory, and rhetorical analysis methodology. The study examines how Prabowo establishes moral authority, appeals to common humanity, and portrays Indonesia as a conscientious actor in global diplomacy. The research indicates a strategic interplay of ethos, pathos, and logos; emotionally charged historical narratives; and strong promises to peacekeeping, all supported by performative aspects like emphasis, repetition, and prosodic cues.  The findings show how Prabowo's language combines national identity, postcolonial solidarity, and moral universalism to promote a vision of ethical global leadership. The study adds to broader debates about Global South diplomacy, political communication, and the role of rhetoric in shaping international legitimacy.