Chapter 5: International Conflict and War- Wakanda Forever?

5.1: Case Study- Superhero’s and International Conflict in The Black Panther

The relationship between a state’s resources, geography, and foreign policy has long been a cornerstone of international relations. Countries must decide how to balance their own interests with global responsibility, and these choices often define their place in the world. In the Marvel film Black Panther, the fictional state of Wakanda illustrates this dynamic in a compelling and thought-provoking way. Wakanda’s unparalleled technological advancement and wealth are built on vibranium, a unique resource that gives it a strategic edge. Yet, the country’s leaders are divided over how to wield this power—should they continue their long-standing policy of isolationism, or take a more interventionist approach to address global injustices? This internal debate is not just about foreign policy but about morality, identity, and responsibility. Through its central conflict between King T’Challa and Killmonger, the film provides a rich framework to explore key IR concepts like geopolitics, isolationism, and interventionism, all of which help us understand the causes and resolutions of international conflicts.

In Black Panther, Wakanda is hidden from the world, masquerading as a poor, agrarian society while secretly thriving due to its access to vibranium. Vibranium powers everything from Wakandan infrastructure to advanced weapons and medical technology. T’Challa, newly crowned after the death of his father, struggles to honor Wakanda’s traditions while questioning whether its policy of isolationism truly serves the greater good. Meanwhile, Killmonger, an outsider with Wakandan roots, challenges T’Challa’s rule by advocating for a radical vision of global intervention. He wants to use vibranium to arm oppressed people worldwide, overturn global systems of inequality, and establish Wakanda as a dominant force. The ideological clash between these two leaders escalates into physical conflict, but the deeper questions of their debate—what a nation owes to the world, and how power should be used—resonate far beyond the film’s fictional setting. The story is a microcosm of real-world debates about geopolitics, resource management, and the ethical responsibilities of powerful states. Watch the following clip from Black Panther to see the two opposing views of Killmonger and T’Challa.

The concept of geopolitics—the study of how geography and resources shape power and influence—is central to understanding Wakanda’s position in the world. Wakanda’s vibranium, a rare and virtually indestructible metal, gives it unmatched technological and military capabilities. This positions Wakanda as a potential global superpower, but also makes it a target for external actors who would seek to exploit or control its resources. This mirrors real-world geopolitical situations where states rich in valuable resources often find themselves at the center of international attention and conflict. For example, the oil-rich countries of the Middle East have faced centuries of intervention and competition due to their strategic importance in the global energy market. Similarly, the mineral-rich regions of Africa have seen prolonged conflict, with foreign powers and corporations vying for control over diamonds, gold, and rare earth elements critical for modern technology.

In Black Panther, the secrecy of Wakanda allows it to avoid these external pressures, but it also limits its influence on the global stage. Wakanda’s vibranium is not just a resource; it’s a symbol of power and potential. This ties directly into the real-world notion that geopolitics is not just about having resources, but about how they are managed and leveraged. Wakanda’s leaders must decide whether to continue hiding their resource wealth or to step into the global arena and risk becoming entangled in the conflicts and politics of the outside world. This tension between secrecy and exposure captures the essence of geopolitical decision-making, where power comes with both opportunity and risk. Wakanda’s eventual decision to reveal itself underscores a central truth of geopolitics: resources shape power, but that power must be wielded strategically to navigate global challenges.

At the beginning of the film, Wakanda embodies the principle of isolationism, a foreign policy strategy in which a nation deliberately avoids engagement in international affairs. By hiding its technological advancements and vibranium wealth, Wakanda has maintained its sovereignty and avoided the exploitation and colonial legacies faced by much of the African continent. This isolation has allowed Wakanda to flourish without interference, but it also raises ethical questions about whether a state with such immense power has a responsibility to aid others. In real-world history, isolationism has often been adopted by nations seeking to avoid the risks and costs of foreign entanglements. For example, the United States embraced isolationism after World War I, choosing to focus on domestic recovery rather than participating in the League of Nations or addressing rising global tensions. Check out this scene from Black Panther to see just how far the Wakandans went to stay isolated from the rest of the world.

However, isolationism is not without consequences. By remaining hidden, Wakanda becomes an inactive bystander to global suffering, including injustices that directly affect people of African descent, as highlighted by Killmonger. His frustration reflects the perspective of those who see Wakanda’s isolation as complicity in systemic oppression. In real-world contexts, this debate has surfaced in moments like the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, when the global community largely failed to intervene, leading to tragic consequences. Through Wakanda’s isolationism, Black Panther asks whether a state can remain morally neutral in an interconnected world. T’Challa’s eventual realization that isolationism limits Wakanda’s potential to make a positive impact reflects a broader critique of this policy: while it may ensure national security, it often fails to address global challenges that demand collective action.

By examining the geopolitics of vibranium, Wakanda’s isolationism, and the contrasting visions of T’Challa and Killmonger, Black Panther offers a compelling narrative that parallels real-world debates in international relations. The film underscores that power and resources are not inherently good or bad—it’s how they’re managed that determines their impact on global security and justice. As students of political science, we can draw from Wakanda’s story to better understand the interconnectedness of foreign policy decisions and their consequences in the international system.