Post-colonialism
Realism
Liberalism
Movie
Theory Showdown
100

Question: what does postcolonial IR examine?


How colonial histories and power relations continue to shape international politics.



100

 What is the main priority of states according to realism?


Security, survival, and the protection of national interests

100

According to liberalism, what can help states overcome international conflict? Name 2 factors.


Diplomacy, international institutions, cooperation, trade, and interdependence.

100

What is the name of Wakanda's most valuable resource?

Vibranium

100

Which IR theory emphasizes cooperation between states?

Liberalism.

200

How did colonial powers justify their rule through the idea of the “White Man’s Burden”?


civilising mission, claiming that Western nations had a responsibility to bring progress and civilisation to other societies.

200

What is the IR concept for a system in which there is no world government to protect every state?

anarchy 


200

Which international organization does T’Challa dress when announcing Walz das intention to engage with other nations?

the UN

200

What does Wakanda pretend to be to conceal its real capabilities?

 A poor, technologically underdeveloped country.

200

Which theory would most directly explain Wakanda's secrecy as a way to preserve its strategic advantage?

 Realism.

300

How can colonial ideas continue to influence modern International Relations theories?

Through persistent racial hierarchies and Western dominance in global politics

  


300

Why does Wakanda hide its technological advancement from the world? Explain using realism.


To protect its sovereignty, preserve its strategic advantage, and reduce the risk of foreign interference.

300

What does the liberal concept of absolute gains mean?

A state can benefit from cooperation even when other states benefit too.

300

What does Killmonger want to do with Wakanda's advanced technology?

Use it to arm oppressed communities and overthrow existing power structures around the world.

300

What does the realist concept of self-help mean?


States must rely primarily on their own capabilities to ensure their security because no world government guarantees their protection.

400

name an important thinker of post-colonialism

Frantz Fanon, Robbie Shilliam, Erna, brodber

400

What realist concept describes how one state's defensive actions can make other states feel threatened?

The security dilemma.

400

How might international institutions help Wakanda share vibranium safely?

They could help establish rules, transparency, monitoring, and agreements governing how technology and resources are used.


400

Klaue steals Wakanda’s vibranium, what real colonial pattern does this echo?

Outsiders taking resources from Africa

400

A student argues that Killmonger seeks liberation but risks becoming an oppressor himself. Which theory is especially useful for examining this contradiction?

Post-colonialism, particularly Fanon's analysis of colonial violence and the risk of reproducing oppressive structures

500

How could Killmonger's plan reproduce the very power structures he wants to overthrow?

He seeks liberation from oppression but plans to use military domination and impose a new hierarchy, potentially replacing one form of domination with another.

500

Both T'Challa and Killmonger recognize Wakanda's power. Why do their strategies differ, and which one more closely follows the traditional realist goal of state survival?


T’Challa initially prioritizes Wakanda's security through isolation. Killmonger seeks to use Wakanda's power to transform the global order. T'Challa's initial strategy more closely reflects the traditional priority of state survival.

500

T'Challa shares Wakandan knowledge with the world. Give two reasons a liberal might support this policy and one possible risk.

It can improve welfare and encourage cooperation or interdependence. A risk is that other states could exploit the technology or use it for harmful purposes.

500

Early in the film, Agent Ross describes Wakanda as little more than “shepherds, textiles, and cool outfits.” Which scholar’s idea explains how the West pictures other places this way?

Edward Said

500

A student says, 'T'Challa opens Wakanda to the world, so colonial injustice is solved.' Give one criticism from each of the three theories.

Realism: openness may expose Wakanda to threats. Liberalism: cooperation needs institutions and safeguards. Post-colonialism: sharing resources alone does not dismantle historical and structural inequalities.