This article investigates the metaphorical conceptualizations of sovereignty and security in international politics, emphasizing how metaphors shape perceptions of authority, statehood, and protection. Sovereignty is often framed through metaphors of territorial integrity, such as “national borders as walls” or “state as a house,” highlighting control, stability, and independence. Security, in turn, is conceptualized through metaphors of protection and defense, including “shields”, “fortresses”, and “barriers”, which reinforce ideas of safety against external threats. By analyzing political speeches, policy documents, and media reports, the study demonstrates how metaphorical framing legitimizes political strategies and influences international relations. These conceptual metaphors are not universal but culturally variable, reflecting diverse geopolitical contexts and ideological orientations. The findings underline the crucial role of metaphor in constructing political realities, showing that sovereignty and security are not merely legal categories but discursive constructs shaped by linguistic choices.

Metaphor, sovereignty, security

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