Chapter 5: International Conflict and War- Wakanda Forever?

5.3: Theories of Conflict Resolution

If wars and conflicts are inevitable, how do we stop them? Theories of conflict resolution provide frameworks for ending disputes and building pathways to peace. From direct negotiations to international interventions, these strategies aim to reduce violence and address the underlying causes of conflict. In practice, conflict resolution is rarely simple—it involves balancing the interests of opposing parties, navigating power dynamics, and, in many cases, addressing longstanding grievances. The film Black Panther illustrates these complexities as Wakanda faces not only internal discord but also the responsibility of engaging in global conflict resolution. By examining interventionism, negotiation, mediation, and other approaches to peace, we can explore the tools that nations and organizations use to resolve conflicts in ways that are both practical and just.

Sometimes, stopping a conflict requires stepping in, whether invited or not. Interventionism is a foreign policy approach where a state actively engages in another country’s affairs, often to stabilize conflicts or achieve strategic, humanitarian, or ideological goals. In Black Panther, Killmonger’s interventionist philosophy drives much of the narrative conflict. He seeks to use Wakanda’s vibranium to arm oppressed people globally, aiming to topple unjust systems of power. While his methods are aggressive, his ideology raises a central question of interventionism: when is it right for a nation to interfere in the affairs of another? Historically, interventionism has been controversial. NATO’s intervention in Kosovo in 1999 aimed to prevent ethnic cleansing, but critics questioned the legitimacy of acting without UN authorization. Similarly, U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan illustrate how interventionism can provoke backlash and unintended consequences. In Wakanda’s case, T’Challa ultimately rejects Killmonger’s aggressive approach but adopts a more measured form of intervention, choosing to engage globally through diplomacy and aid. While interventionism can set the stage for peace, achieving resolution often requires direct dialogue between conflicting parties.

Negotiation is one of the most fundamental tools of conflict resolution, offering a peaceful way for conflicting sides to settle disputes. Negotiation involves direct discussions aimed at reaching mutually acceptable solutions, whether through treaties, ceasefires, or political compromises. In Black Panther, T’Challa’s leadership demonstrates the importance of negotiation in resolving internal conflicts. After defeating Killmonger, T’Challa integrates aspects of his rival’s vision into Wakanda’s foreign policy, choosing to share resources and knowledge with the world. This decision reflects a negotiated compromise, even if it wasn’t achieved through formal talks. Negotiations in the real world have been equally pivotal in ending conflicts. The Camp David Accords of 1978, which brought Egypt and Israel to a historic peace agreement, are a prime example of how negotiation can resolve deeply entrenched disputes. Yet, negotiation is not always enough, especially when tensions remain high, and conflicting parties struggle to communicate effectively. In such cases, mediation can play a crucial role.

Mediation offers an alternative approach by bringing in a neutral third party to facilitate discussions and help conflicting sides find common ground. Unlike negotiation, where parties engage directly, mediation involves a mediator who guides the process but does not impose solutions. In the context of Black Panther, T’Challa acts as a mediator of sorts when he assumes the throne and attempts to reconcile Wakanda’s isolationist traditions with Killmonger’s interventionist demands. Mediation has been a vital tool in real-world conflicts as well. For example, Norway’s role in brokering the Oslo Accords between Israelis and Palestinians in the 1990s demonstrated how a neutral party could foster dialogue even in deeply polarized disputes. Mediation can be especially effective in preventing conflicts from escalating, but when trust between parties is entirely eroded, arbitration may be necessary to impose a binding resolution.

Arbitration takes a more formal approach, where a neutral third party makes a binding decision based on established legal principles or international law. Arbitration is less flexible than mediation but provides a clear, enforceable resolution to disputes. In the fictional world of Wakanda, arbitration isn’t explicitly depicted, but its principles align with Wakanda’s use of ritual combat as a legally binding method of resolving leadership disputes. While dramatic, this ritual reflects the need for agreed-upon rules to settle conflicts decisively. In the real world, arbitration has been instrumental in resolving territorial and trade disputes. For instance, the International Court of Justice has arbitrated conflicts like the maritime boundary dispute between Chile and Peru, ensuring compliance with international law. Arbitration is particularly useful for states or organizations that require a definitive outcome, but its effectiveness often depends on both parties agreeing to honor the decision. Even when arbitration or mediation succeeds, maintaining peace requires sustained effort, often supported by peacekeeping forces.

Peacekeeping focuses on maintaining peace after a ceasefire or during political transitions, typically through the deployment of neutral forces under organizations like the United Nations. Peacekeeping operations aim to prevent violence, protect civilians, and support rebuilding efforts in post-conflict zones. While peacekeeping isn’t directly depicted in Black Panther, the film’s ending, where Wakanda commits to sharing its resources for global development, reflects the stabilizing role of international cooperation. Real-world examples of peacekeeping include the UN’s missions in places like Sierra Leone, where peacekeepers helped end a brutal civil war and supported disarmament and reintegration efforts. Peacekeeping can be an essential tool for ensuring that agreements hold and that communities can recover from conflict. However, successful peacekeeping often requires informal, behind-the-scenes efforts to address deeper social divisions and build trust, a role filled by Track II diplomacy.

Track II diplomacy involves unofficial, informal efforts to resolve conflicts, often led by non-governmental actors, scholars, or civil society groups. These initiatives work alongside official diplomatic channels to build trust, foster dialogue, and address underlying grievances. In Black Panther, ShTrack II diplomacyuri and Nakia’s actions mirror Track II diplomacy, as they focus on practical, grassroots approaches to building bridges between Wakanda and the outside world. Real-world examples of Track II diplomacy include efforts by religious leaders and academics to mediate peace during the Northern Ireland conflict, which complemented formal negotiations and contributed to the Good Friday Agreement. Track II diplomacy is especially valuable in addressing cultural and social barriers to peace, providing a human dimension to formal conflict resolution strategies. By combining official and unofficial efforts, nations can create more sustainable solutions to complex conflicts.

By examining interventionism, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, peacekeeping, and Track II diplomacy, we see how diverse strategies contribute to conflict resolution. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, and in many cases, they must be used in combination to address the multifaceted nature of war and disputes. Through the lens of Black Panther, these tools come to life, showing us how leadership, cooperation, and creativity can build pathways to peace in both fictional and real-world conflicts.