Chapter 8: Rich Above, Poor Below? Development and Inequality In International Relations

Introduction

Why do some people live in mansions while others can barely afford a roof over their heads? Why do some nations thrive with advanced technologies while others struggle to provide clean water and basic healthcare? Understanding global development and inequality isn’t just about statistics—it’s about recognizing the systems that shape opportunities and outcomes for billions of people. These issues are at the heart of political science, affecting everything from international conflict to migration and environmental crises. Development is about more than building wealth; it’s about ensuring everyone has the chance to live a dignified life. Inequality, however, reminds us that progress isn’t always shared equally. To make sense of these issues, we’ll dive into the dystopian world of Elysium, a film that brings these challenges to life—albeit with a dash of science fiction flair.

Set in a not-so-distant future, Elysium paints a world where the rich have literally left Earth behind, living on a luxurious space station, while the rest of humanity struggles in dire poverty on a ruined planet. Through its dramatic depiction of extreme wealth and deprivation, the film mirrors many of the real-world dynamics we’ll explore in this chapter, from the cycles of poverty to the paradoxes of resource wealth. Plus, let’s be honest—talking about inequality feels a bit less depressing when there are robots, lasers, and Matt Damon running around in an exoskeleton. But don’t let the sci-fi distract you; Elysium offers a powerful metaphor for the stark realities of global development and inequality today, making it the perfect case study for unpacking concepts like absolute poverty, the resource curse, and social mobility. So, strap in—just not in a luxury spacecraft, unless you’ve got the clearance.

SPOILER WARNING: This chapter will reference specific characters and events from the films in  Elysium , some of which may spoil major plot points. If you would like to watch the films before you continue, I highly recommend it. HCC students can watch the film for free through our library’s Swank account here: Elysium (2013). Not an HCC student? Check your streaming platforms or local library for access!