Geopolitics isn’t typically the theme of superhero movies. Still, inBlack Panther:Wakanda Forever, Angela Bassett commands some of the most exciting sequences with a scary majesty, and it plays a big role in the tension that permeates the entire picture.Wakanda Forever’s core message includes sharp criticism of Western colonization and the extermination of Indigenous people.
T’Challa’s decision to open Wakanda to the rest of the world, as seen at the end ofBlack Panther, thrust the powerful nation into the unethical, dog-eat-dog world of western politics as several countries began coming for a piece of Wakanda’s rare natural resources: vibranium. However, under the leadership of T’Challa and his mother-successor Ramonda, Wakanda was never intimidated by several countries' plundering attempts to exploit its geopolitical inexperience.
In the opening scenes inWakanda Forever,Ramonda marches confidently into a United Nations council,confronting the French governmentand its allies for breaching their sealed agreement and attempting to illegally mine vibranium for economic and war benefits. Despite Wakanda’s capability under the queenship of Ramonda on the global font, back within its borders, the nation finds itself at the mercy of a newly discovered underwater civilization that threatens not only Wakanda’s global power status, but the existence of every country on land.
In a power play between an impatient Namor, Wakanda, a nation in mourning, and the west yet to fully understand the potential of both indigenous nations, a fascinating portrait of the complexity, yet simplicity of geopolitical conflicts is painted. At the same time, it proffers two lessons on resolving geopolitical disputes of the real world.
Identify the True Enemy
In some cases of geopolitical conflicts between nations, each party is blinded by their quest for victory; they forget they are fighting the wrong battles — and, more unfortunately, the wrong enemy.Wakanda Foreverweaves in real-world geopolitical thriller elements better than any Marvel film sinceCaptain America: The Winter Soldier.With a screenplay from originalBlack Pantherco-writers Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, the film examines the effects of isolationism and the greed of global superpowers while also delving into thehistory of Mayan culturewith the Talokan people.
2018’sBlack Pantherestablished vibranium exclusively existed in Wakanda. However, the events of the sequel revealed the rare mineral originating from the meteorite also struck Talokan, an underwater civilization that intends to protect their existence’s secrecy until it was discovered by a machine built byRiri Williams (Ironheart), a naive but bright MIT student. Realizing his civilization faces the threat of colonization by the west, Namor visits Wakanda to convince Ramonda and Shuri to join his genocidal cause. Oblivious to Wakanda’s diplomatic and non-confrontational approach to geopolitics, Namor sees Wakanda’s hesitation as a betrayal, leading him to falsely perceive Wakanda as opposition to his kingdoms' independence.
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There are times when it feels frustrating that Namor is stirring up a conflict with Wakanda as it would be better if they find united forces against any potential colonizer. However, it is important toempathize with the Antihero. Namor’s actions stem from the trauma of colonialism he experienced as a child when he returned to him mesoamerican homeland. On the other hand, Shuri is fueled by grief and vengeance; that the two leaders struggle to see the true enemy embodied byValentina Allegra de Fontaine. The geopolitical conflict between Wakanda and Talocan is compelling and would not have occurred without European colonialism. Yes, they do realize this in the end, but it takes a battle with several casualties and Queen Ramonda’s tragic death before they see the light. If only Namor had seen the bigger picture, this sequel will not have its plot.
The Power of Humility and Dialogue
The forged alliance between Shuri and Namor takes time to solidify as it took a lot of casualties of both the nations' armies and the injury to one ofNamor’s mutant features. In addition to the compromise Talokan and Wakanda had to reach, what made this alliance a success was Shuri’s humility to swallow her vengeful rage and Namor’s humility to receive her arm of grace through dialogue.
When two more nations engage in a military or trade war, regardless of the cause or casualties that follow, in the end, the conflict is resolved at the dialogue table. This political fact is subconsciously dramatised inWakanda Forever. After their one-on-one brawl, in which Shuri as the Black Panther bests the feather-god mutant, they arrive at their armies fighting at sea to call the war off. It leaves one to wonder, in geopolitical conflicts, if only world leaders would spare the bloodshed of troops and civilians and realize the power of dialogue when they are humble enough to meet at the round table.
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Excluding its geopolitical themes,Black Panther: Wakanda Foreveris a bigger, more ambitious, and poignant project compared to its predecessor. It doesn’t look like MCU’s attempt to produce a commercially successful sequel to one of its most celebrated movies or expand its franchise with the introduction of new characters such asThe Midnight Angels, Namor and Ironheart. Instead, the sequel is more of an exploration of real world issues, a somber farewell to Chadwick Boseman, and an assurance that much bigger things are yet to come.
