Marxist Critical Discourse Analysis of Maliha Lodhi’s Editorials: Reproducing or Resisting Dominant Power Structures

Abstract

Using a Marxist Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) methodology, this research examines how Maliha Lodhi's editorials either support or contradict prevailing power systems. The goal is to identify the discursive techniques, hegemonic alignments, and ideological patterns that are present in her analysis of foreign policy, governance, and international power dynamics. The study's foundation is based on Pakistan's media environment, where editorial discourse frequently reflects state, elite, and geopolitical pressures. The theoretical framework allows for the examination of textual elements, discursive practices, and socio-political environment by fusing Fairclough's three-dimensional CDA model with Marxist theory of ideology and class power. Purposive sample of 25–30 editorials published in Dawn was used to gather data for the study, which uses a qualitative research methodology. Texts about state power, international politics, and regime legitimacy were the main topics of sampling. The results show that while Lodhi's discourse sometimes confronts dominant power by criticizing governance shortcomings and unfair global institutions, it mostly supports state and elite geopolitical narratives, repeating strategic-realist and security-oriented viewpoints. In order to better understand ideological reproduction in Pakistani journalism, the study asks for further critical discourse research on foreign-policy experts and suggests a closer examination of elite media voices.