Читать книгу Black Panther and Philosophy - Группа авторов - Страница 44

Stephen C.W. Graves

“Wakanda Forever” is the most memorable phrase from Black Panther, but what does it really mean? Given Wakanda’s isolationist attitude and deep-seated sense of nationalism, it seems to mean “Wakanda for the Wakandans!” As portrayed in the film, this nationalism was constructed as a defense against the outside world. After all, as W’Kabi, who opposes accepting refugees from neighboring countries, says, “The problem with refugees is they bring their problems with them.”

In brief, the history of Wakanda began thousands of years ago when five African tribes fought over a meteorite containing vibranium. United as Wakanda, they used the vibranium to develop advanced technology and isolate themselves from the world, posing as a third-world country. Ultimately, a visit from Thanos’s army in Avengers: Infinity War led to the decision that Wakanda could no longer isolate from the rest of the world. As a result, nationalism gave way to liberalism.

Liberalism, as an international theory, encourages cooperation among nations for the sake of mutual benefits. The protection and promotion of human rights and freedom must come ahead of national interests and state autonomy. The hope is that war can be prevented or eliminated through institutional reform or collective action.¹ But does liberalism suffice? Perhaps a Pan-African alternative is preferable.