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level, the listing assigns a negative identity that, along with economic
sanctions and other penalties, is meant to isolate and pressure the
designated states. The rhetoric associated with the listing has become
increasingly harsh since its initiation, with the adoption of such terms as
“outlaw nations,” “renegade regimes,” and President Bush’s controversial
metaphorical phrase, “axis of evil.” Questions are raised as to the utility
of this rhetorical strategy in regard to such issues as self-fulfilling
prophecy, an imbalance between “sticks and carrots” in American foreign
policy, and the possible estrangement of U.S. allies.
Each year the U.S. State Department announces a list of nations it
has determined to be “state sponsors of terrorism.” This activity began
under a law passed in 1979 called the “Export Administration Act.” The
general purpose of that law was to set out the conditions for controls
Convention