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Abstract
The metaphors used in the discourse of international politics are primarily those depicting centralized power through the "NATION IS A PERSON" metaphor. Regional peace is understood as an object that can be manipulated and constructed by those in power, but unpredictably because the cooperation of other nations is not ensured. Regional peace is also commonly understood as the stakes in a gambling contest, to be won or lost by the political players. The metaphors analyzed are drawn from North and South American politicians and press accounts appearing in 1967, 1984, and 1987. Press metaphors were cross-culturally similar and rarely unique; however, there are some cross-cultural differences in what aspects of peace are highlighted by the same metaphors. A further analysis of spoken metaphors in Costa Rica demonstrated significant variation from press metaphors. This research suggests that peace is understood differently by political professionals than by the public.