This research project explores arms trade from a power perspective and arms trade

as a political phenomenon on a global level. The U.S. is the centre of this

attention. The thesis has one main objective: to trace and unpack the different

geographical, historical, social, and political arrangements when U.S. lawmakers

speak of reality within arms trade during the 20th century from power

perspectives such as biopower and Western liberal apparatuses.

This research utilises Foucauldian discourse analysis with an

archaeological/genealogical approach situated within power perspectives of

Western liberal apparatuses and biopower (Foucault, 2009). Further, the research

will take upon a constructivist qualitative research along with discourse analysis

that necessitates an interwoven relationship between theory and method, exploring

the fundamental philosophical grounds underlying discourse analysis and its

application as an empirical research method.

When we critically explore the dimensions of autonomy, generalisation,

universality, institutionalism, and normalisation, a complex fabric of discourse

emerges. This web of discourse surrounding arms trade carries inherent political

implications, guided by underlying ideological and strategic drivers that influence

the United States' capacity to exert influence on the global stage.