Chapter 7: The Tyrell Corporation, Globalization, and International Political Economy

Introduction

Globalization and international political economy aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the invisible forces shaping the world around us. From the clothes you wear to the phone in your pocket, the global web of trade, investment, and power affects every aspect of modern life. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Behind every trade agreement or corporate innovation lies a series of tough questions: Who benefits? Who’s left behind? And what happens when economic systems spin out of control? To explore these questions, we can turn to the hauntingly neon-lit futures of Blade Runner and Blade Runner: 2049. These films don’t just entertain with their replicants and rainy skylines—they offer a chilling vision of unchecked globalization, where corporations hold more power than nations, labor is exploited to its limits, and ethical boundaries blur like smog over dystopian Los Angeles.

If globalization were a sci-fi movie, it would look a lot like Blade Runner. Through the dominance of corporations like Tyrell and Wallace, these films vividly illustrate themes like monopoly power, offshoring, and the race to the bottom. They capture the heart of real-world debates about economic statecraft, showing what happens when sanctions and trade wars reshape societies—or when technological advancements replace workers faster than they can adapt. Whether it’s sanctions isolating Earth from its colonies or fair trade failing to reach the struggling masses, Blade Runner presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbalanced global systems. As we navigate the complex theories and real-world examples in this chapter, remember: globalization may be the ultimate team sport, but when the rules favor only the powerful, everyone else risks being benched.

SPOILER WARNING: This chapter will reference specific characters and events from the films in  Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 , some of which may spoil major plot points. If you would like to watch the films before you continue, I highly recommend it. HCC students can watch the film for free through our library’s Swank account here: Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Not an HCC student? Check your streaming platforms or local library for access!