This article presents a comparative linguistic and literary analysis of Lee Kuan Yew’s “The Story of Singapore” and Theodore Roosevelt’s speeches compiled under “The Laws of Leadership.” Although they were written in different geopolitical and historical contexts, both statesmen used rhetorical strategies to shape their political identity and communicate national ideology. This research examines the role of such works not only as historical documents but also as tools for reinforcing political identity and legacy through the integration of literary critical discourse analysis. It argues that these works differ from general socio-political texts. This study substantiates, through examples taken from both texts, how each leader reflects the ideology of leadership through linguistic choices.

Strategic rhetoric, leadership identity, critical discourse analysis

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Roosevelt, T. (1899). The rules of leadership. New York, NY: Macmillan.

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