Chapter 10: When Aliens Land – Global Governance and International Cooperation

International Relations Theories & Arrival

How do nations respond when faced with a shared, existential crisis? What drives their choices—power, cooperation, identity, or inequality? These are some of the most critical questions in international relations, and they lie at the heart of the field’s major theories. Political scientists use theories like realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminism to make sense of state behavior, whether in times of war, negotiation, or crisis. The 2016 film Arrival provides a fascinating case study to explore these theories, as it portrays humanity’s first contact with extraterrestrial life. When 12 alien ships arrive on Earth, nations face a choice: should they work together to decipher the aliens’ intentions or act independently, driven by self-interest and fear? As tensions rise and trust erodes, the events of the film illustrate how international relations theories can shed light on the motivations behind different state actions.

Realism: Zero-Sum Games and Alien Threats

For realists, international relations are fundamentally about the pursuit of power and survival in an anarchic world where no higher authority can enforce order. In Arrival, this worldview is exemplified by the behavior of nations like China and Russia, which quickly prioritize their own security and sovereignty over global cooperation. Realism assumes that states act out of self-interest and view other nations with suspicion, especially in the face of uncertainty. The alien ships’ arrival is perceived as a potential threat, and the lack of clear communication reinforces the realist fear of the unknown. The film mirrors real-world examples like the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union viewed every move by the other as a potential security threat, leading to arms races and proxy wars. When China in the film interprets the aliens’ message as hostile, it escalates military preparations, demonstrating realism’s core principle: states must prioritize their survival, even if it means risking conflict. This realist mindset creates a cycle of fear and distrust, which Arrival shows can lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked. As we shift to liberalism, however, we see a contrasting perspective that emphasizes the potential for cooperation, even in a divided world.

Liberalism: Shared Data, Shared Destiny

Liberalism offers a more optimistic view of international relations, focusing on the role of cooperation, institutions, and mutual benefits. In Arrival, the initial decision by nations to share data about the alien ships reflects liberal principles, highlighting how states can work together to address shared challenges. Liberalism emphasizes that states, while pursuing their own interests, recognize the benefits of collaboration, particularly when the costs of unilateral action are high. Organizations like the United Nations or treaties like the Paris Climate Agreement are real-world examples of liberal mechanisms designed to foster global cooperation. In the film, Louise Banks’ efforts to communicate with the aliens represent the liberal emphasis on diplomacy and the use of dialogue to solve conflicts. However, as mistrust creeps in, liberalism’s reliance on trust and communication becomes apparent; without these elements, cooperation falters. The collapse of shared efforts in the film underscores the fragility of liberal systems in the face of fear, showing the importance of building robust frameworks to sustain trust over time. This idea leads to constructivism, which delves into how identities, norms, and perceptions shape state behavior.

Constructivism: Rewriting the Narrative

Constructivism focuses on the power of ideas, identities, and shared norms in shaping international relations. Rather than assuming that states act purely out of self-interest or based on rigid rules, constructivists argue that behavior is influenced by how states perceive themselves and others. In Arrival, the way nations interpret the aliens’ arrival reflects their preexisting identities and worldviews. For instance, China’s militaristic response stems from a perception of the aliens as adversaries, shaped by a broader national narrative of defending sovereignty and security. In contrast, Louise Banks represents a constructivist approach by striving to create a shared understanding between humans and the aliens. Check out the clip below to see how this is depicted in the film. The film’s central breakthrough—the realization that the alien language rewires human perception of time—illustrates constructivism’s idea that shared communication can transform relationships and foster new norms. Real-world examples of constructivism include how post-World War II reconciliation efforts between Germany and France helped reshape their identities as allies rather than enemies. Arrival shows how creating shared meaning through communication can build trust, even in the face of profound uncertainty. This insight into the power of ideas and language sets the stage for Marxism, which critiques international relations through the lens of material inequality.

Marxism: The Haves, the Have-Nots, and the Heptapods

Marxism approaches international relations by examining how economic structures and class inequalities drive state behavior. In Arrival, while the film doesn’t explicitly address economic disparity, a Marxist interpretation might focus on how unequal power dynamics between states influence their responses to the alien ships. Wealthier and more militarily powerful nations, like the United States and China, dominate the global narrative, while less powerful nations are sidelined in the decision-making process. This reflects the broader Marxist critique of the global system, where core nations in the Global North exert control over peripheral nations in the Global South. The unequal access to information and resources in Arrival mirrors real-world dynamics, such as during the 2008 financial crisis or the global COVID-19 pandemic, when wealthier nations disproportionately influenced outcomes, often at the expense of less developed countries. Marxism highlights how this imbalance perpetuates global inequality, suggesting that even in moments of global crisis, power and resources remain unequally distributed. This focus on inequality ties into feminist theory, which examines power dynamics through the lens of gender and other intersecting forms of oppression.

Feminist theories in international relations critique traditional frameworks for ignoring the roles of gender, intersectionality, and marginalized voices. In Arrival, Louise Banks herself embodies a feminist critique of power structures, as her approach to solving the crisis contrasts with the militaristic, male-dominated strategies of global leaders. Louise’s success stems from her empathy, communication skills, and focus on collaboration—traits often undervalued in traditional, realist approaches to international relations. Feminists might argue that the film highlights how incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly those that challenge patriarchal norms, leads to better outcomes. Real-world parallels can be seen in the role of women in peacebuilding, such as in Liberia, where women-led movements were instrumental in ending the country’s civil war. Feminism also emphasizes how global crises, like climate change or war, disproportionately affect marginalized groups, often overlooked in policy discussions dominated by elite actors. Arrival reminds us that diverse perspectives and inclusive approaches are not just morally right but are essential for solving complex, global problems.

By examining the events of Arrival through these theoretical lenses, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations. Each theory offers valuable insights into why states behave the way they do, how cooperation or conflict arises, and what factors shape global outcomes. Whether through the lens of power, institutions, ideas, inequality, or gender, Arrival shows that navigating global crises requires us to consider multiple perspectives to build a more inclusive and effective approach to governance.