Chapter 11: International Law & Human Rights – Aliens, Asylum, and Humanitarianism

International Relations Theories & District 9

As we’ve discussed throughout this text, theories serve as analytical lenses that help us understand and explain complex global events. Just as a scientist uses different theories to interpret natural phenomena, international relations scholars use competing frameworks to make sense of power dynamics, cooperation, and conflict in the world. The five major theories we’ve discussed in each chapter—realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminism—offer distinct perspectives on global politics. These frameworks can also be applied to fictional narratives like District 9. The film’s depiction of xenophobia, state oppression, and corporate greed makes it a compelling case study for exploring international relations through different theoretical lenses. Each theory highlights a different aspect of power, identity, and justice in the story, demonstrating how the same events can be interpreted in multiple ways. By examining District 9 through these theories, we gain a deeper understanding of both the film’s political message and the broader dynamics of international law and human rights.

Realism: The Pursuit of Power and the Struggle for Survival

Realism views global politics as a struggle for power among self-interested actors. Realists assume that states (or, in the case of District 9, powerful institutions) operate in an anarchic world where survival and security take precedence over moral concerns. From this perspective, the treatment of the aliens by the South African government and the Multinational United (MNU) corporation reflects a classic realist approach: power dictates behavior, and those who lack power—like the aliens—are at the mercy of stronger actors. MNU, a private corporation with government backing, exploits the aliens to advance its own technological and military interests, showing how power is concentrated in the hands of those who control resources. In realism, international law and human rights are often seen as secondary to the pursuit of security and economic gain. The film illustrates this when MNU disregards ethical concerns in favor of weapons research, mirroring real-world cases where states and corporations prioritize power over justice—such as colonial exploitation or arms races. From a realist perspective, the aliens’ plight is a natural consequence of political and military dominance, reinforcing the idea that in an anarchic world, the weak suffer while the strong thrive. This perspective transitions well into liberalism, which challenges realism by emphasizing cooperation and international norms.

Liberalism: The Possibility of Cooperation and Human Rights Protections

Unlike realism, which assumes a world driven by power struggles, liberalism sees opportunities for cooperation, diplomacy, and the development of international institutions that promote human rights and justice. A liberal interpretation of District 9 would critique the lack of international intervention in the treatment of the aliens, arguing that global organizations—such as the United Nations (UN) or human rights NGOs—should play a role in preventing such abuses. In the real world, liberalism supports institutions like the Geneva Conventions, which establish humanitarian protections during war, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). In a liberal world, the aliens might have been granted refugee rights or protected by international law rather than exploited by MNU. The failure to apply these principles in District 9 highlights the challenges of enforcing human rights in a system where sovereignty often limits outside intervention. However, the film does provide a small example of liberalism at work: Wikus van de Merwe finds himself in a unique situation where he is truly able to see the world from the alien’s perspective, creating the kind understanding necessary for a liberal world . This stands in contrast to constructivism, which focuses less on power or institutions and more on how identity and perceptions shape political realities.

Constructivism: The Role of Identity, Perception, and Social Norms

Constructivism argues that international politics is shaped not just by power or institutions but also by ideas, identity, and social norms. Unlike realists and liberals, constructivists emphasize that political realities are not fixed but are constructed by human interactions and perceptions. In District 9, the treatment of the aliens is driven by xenophobia, which constructs them as dangerous outsiders rather than potential allies or equals. For constructivists, words matter as they shape people’s beliefs and understanding. The derogatory term “prawns” reflects a dehumanization, much like how marginalized groups in history—such as Jewish communities in Nazi Germany or Tutsi populations in Rwanda—have been labeled in ways that justify their oppression. Constructivists argue that if humans had chosen to view the aliens differently, their fate could have been radically different. This aligns with real-world efforts to shift perceptions through human rights campaigns and media advocacy, demonstrating that norms and identities play a crucial role in shaping political outcomes. Wikus’ transformation is significant from a constructivist perspective because it forces him to experience life as the “Other,” altering his understanding of the aliens and reshaping his identity. This shift illustrates constructivism’s core idea: political realities change when perceptions and social norms change. However, while constructivism focuses on social identity, Marxism shifts attention to economic structures and class struggles.

Marxism: Corporate Exploitation and Class Struggle

Marxist theory views global politics as a struggle between economic classes, with powerful elites exploiting the working class to maintain control. In District 9, MNU represents a classic example of corporate imperialism, prioritizing profit and military dominance over ethics and justice. The aliens, stripped of rights and forced into slums, symbolize the proletariat, while MNU and the South African government act as the ruling capitalist class, benefiting from their oppression. This mirrors real-world economic exploitation, such as colonial-era resource extraction in Africa or the use of sweatshop labor in developing countries. From a Marxist perspective, the film critiques how capitalism commodifies even the most vulnerable populations—whether human or alien. The Marxist solution would be revolution or class consciousness, in which the oppressed (in this case, the aliens) recognize their exploitation and resist. Christopher’s plan to return with reinforcements could be seen as an attempt to overthrow the capitalist system that keeps his people in subjugation. This focus on economic oppression leads into feminism, which further critiques power structures—particularly those related to gender and social hierarchies.

Feminism: Gender, Oppression, and Intersectionality

Feminist international relations theory examines how gender and social hierarchies shape global politics, often highlighting the intersection of race, class, and gender in systems of oppression. While District 9 primarily explores race and class, a feminist perspective would ask why women are largely absent from positions of power in both human and alien societies. Feminist scholars argue that this reflects broader patterns in international politics, where women are underrepresented in leadership  and decision-making roles in many, if not most, world stages. Additionally, the film’s depiction of violence and exploitation aligns with feminist critiques of militarism and corporate dominance, which often rely on oppressive power structures that disproportionately harm marginalized groups. Feminism would also highlight how colonialism and apartheid not only oppressed people based on race but also entrenched patriarchal systems that excluded women from economic and political power. The film indirectly supports this critique by showing how power—whether in government, corporations, or military forces—remains concentrated in the hands of male elites. By incorporating feminist insights, we gain a more holistic understanding of how oppression operates across different levels of identity and power.

Through the lens of these theories, District 9 provides a powerful examination of the key debates in international relations. Each theory reveals different aspects of the film’s political dynamics—realism highlights power struggles, liberalism critiques the lack of cooperation, constructivism focuses on identity and perception, Marxism exposes economic exploitation, and feminism reveals gendered power structures. Together, these perspectives demonstrate the complexity of global politics and the value of using multiple perspectives to analyze international issues. Just as District 9 forces viewers to reconsider assumptions about race, power, and justice, IR theories challenge us to think critically about the world we live in—and how we can shape a more just and equitable global order.