Chapter 4: Power, Security, and Superheroes as WMDs

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, the Avengers’ internal conflicts in Captain America: Civil War mirror the complex decisions states face in the international system. Concepts like the security dilemma, arms races, and deterrence reveal how the pursuit of security can often lead to unintended tensions, with even well-meaning strategies potentially escalating into conflict. Just as Captain America and Iron Man struggle to balance freedom and control, nations constantly weigh the costs and benefits of alliances, preemptive actions, and the risks of mutual destruction. Understanding these ideas helps us see that the challenges of managing power are universal, whether among superhero teams or global superpowers.

In our next chapter, we’ll dive deeper into international conflict and war, using Black Panther and the hidden nation of Wakanda as our case study. We’ll explore how Wakanda, a powerful but isolated country, navigates the pressures of secrecy, security, and sovereignty—and the tough choices leaders must make when deciding whether to engage or withdraw from global affairs. Join us as we journey to Wakanda, where Black Panther’s choices reveal what it takes to safeguard a nation in a world of ever-present threats.