The 10 Best Movies on International Relations and Global Politics

TL;DR

A professor of international relations shares his top 10 movies that effectively convey concepts and theories in global politics, ranging from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the nature of alien invasion.

Transcript

Global politics and international relations is  everywhere in our daily lives, from the food we   buy at the store, to the cars we drive, and the  pop culture we consume. Hey everyone. I'm Noah   Zerbe. I'm a professor of international  relations at Humboldt State University,   and today I'm counting down my top 10 movies that  I think help illustr... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Fictional movies can effectively convey complex concepts and theories in international relations.
• 🌍 Movies like Invictus and Paradise Now offer unique insights into tensions, challenges, and human experiences in the context of international politics.
• 🤨 Certain movies, like Dr Strangelove and District 9, serve as cautionary tales and raise awareness about global issues such as nuclear weapons, racism, and xenophobia.
• 🥳 Films like Thirteen Days and The Battle of Algiers provide historical context and illustrate decision-making processes in times of crisis.
• 👨‍⚖️ The Hunger Games and Eye in the Sky explore questions about government, social justice, rebellion, and ethical challenges in warfare.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does the professor exclude documentaries from his list?

The professor focuses on fictional movies to effectively convey concepts and theories in international relations, using storytelling and entertainment value.

Q: How does Eye in the Sky raise ethical challenges in drone warfare?

The movie explores the debate between launching a drone strike on a suspected terrorist leader, weighing the potential collateral damage to civilians and the consequences of asymmetric warfare.

Q: What themes does Dr Strangelove address in the context of the Cold War?

Dr Strangelove satirizes Cold War tensions and delves into concepts like mutually assured destruction, the missile gap, and critiques offered by feminist theorists.

Q: How does the movie Thirteen Days contribute to understanding the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Thirteen Days accurately depicts the decision-making process within the Kennedy White House, showcasing the Cold War context, nuclear deterrence theory, and the intersection of domestic and international politics during a crisis.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The professor shares his top 10 movies for teaching international relations, focusing on fictional films that illustrate concepts and theories.

• Movies like Sergio and Invictus explore tensions between the United Nations and the United States, as well as the challenges of post-conflict reconciliation.

• The Hunger Games highlights questions about government, social justice, rebellion, and human rights, while District 9 serves as a powerful parable for apartheid.