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When teaching Intro to International Relations, I love referencing "IR Movie Easter eggs": explicit international politics lessons/references from movies NOT overtly about international politics.
For those teaching IR classes this coming term, here are my 10 favorite!
For those teaching IR classes this coming term, here are my 10 favorite!
A quick note on the rankings: They basically go from #10 "Not subtle and sort of critical to the plot" to #1 "very subtle and not essential at all to the plot at all"
But all were probably unexpected when you sat down to watch the movie for the first time !
But all were probably unexpected when you sat down to watch the movie for the first time !
#10 Captain America: Civil War
Was NOT expecting a super hero movie to offer a one-scene master-class in the meaning of sovereignty, power, and legitimacy in international politics
Was NOT expecting a super hero movie to offer a one-scene master-class in the meaning of sovereignty, power, and legitimacy in international politics
#9: Sound of Music
Come from the cheesy family-friendly musical, leave with a lesson in the Anschluss
Come from the cheesy family-friendly musical, leave with a lesson in the Anschluss
#8 Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country
In a movie that is basically a Cold War Allegory, this famous scene drops a reference to Lebensraum
In a movie that is basically a Cold War Allegory, this famous scene drops a reference to Lebensraum
#7 Frozen
Wasn't expecting a lesson on trade treaties as a lever of power and exploitation
Wasn't expecting a lesson on trade treaties as a lever of power and exploitation
#6 Black Panther
Revealing Wakanda's power at the UN General Assembly in this bonus scene raises all sorts of questions about how the world will react
Revealing Wakanda's power at the UN General Assembly in this bonus scene raises all sorts of questions about how the world will react
#5 Talladega Nights:
This scene is great for teaching bargaining and credible commitments (h/t @mkmckoy) -- "just say `really thin pancakes'" -- and how nationalism can lead to conflict -- "this here is `Merica, the greatest planet on Earth"
This scene is great for teaching bargaining and credible commitments (h/t @mkmckoy) -- "just say `really thin pancakes'" -- and how nationalism can lead to conflict -- "this here is `Merica, the greatest planet on Earth"
#4 Animal House
"The Germans?"
"The Germans?"
#4 DIE HARD
Given that the helicopter is heading to a roof top, this is an ingenious reference
Given that the helicopter is heading to a roof top, this is an ingenious reference
#2 The Princess Bride
While learning about mixed strategies, don't forget the the the most famous strategic blunder!
While learning about mixed strategies, don't forget the the the most famous strategic blunder!
#1 Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Didn't expect a lesson on the folly of trade wars courtesy of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff
Didn't expect a lesson on the folly of trade wars courtesy of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff
Yes, there was a tie for #4 -- Is "The Germans" or "Saigon" more subtle?
Anyhow, hope you enjoy the list!
Anyhow, hope you enjoy the list!
