Chapter 13: The Future of International Relations

The End…?

International relations isn’t just about treaties, trade, and tense summits—it’s about understanding the forces that shape our shared future on this tiny, interconnected planet. In this textbook, we explored the fundamental theories, challenges, and players that define global politics, from power struggles and diplomacy to cooperation in the face of existential crises. Alongside real-world events, we turned to fictional films and dystopian stories because, let’s face it, sometimes aliens invading Earth or zombies overrunning society make for perfect metaphors to unpack complex IR ideas. After all, what’s the United Nations but an elite team of Avengers working to keep the world (mostly) intact?

By blending reality with fiction, the textbook showed that international relations isn’t confined to dusty documents or rigid theories—it’s alive, dynamic, and sometimes just as dramatic as a Hollywood blockbuster. Whether analyzing realist power struggles through The Hunger Games or exploring liberal cooperation in Independence Day, we discovered that fiction offers a lens to simplify, exaggerate, and critique global dynamics. The world’s challenges may seem overwhelming, but here’s the hopeful takeaway: understanding international relations isn’t just an academic exercise. It’s the first step toward shaping a more peaceful, cooperative future. So whether you’re ready to negotiate trade agreements or lead humanity through an alien invasion, you’ve got the tools to make a difference—no cape required.