Geopolitical Cousins The (Geopolitical) Movies That Made Us
Dec 31, 2025
Dive into the world of geopolitics through the lens of iconic films! From the romance of *Casablanca* to the dystopian grip of *Mad Max*, explore how cinema mirrors global struggles and power dynamics. Discover *Syriana*, which reveals the murky depths of oil politics, and *Blade Runner*, foreseeing the intersection of technology and culture. Unpack insights from *Lawrence of Arabia* to *There Will Be Blood*, showcasing flawed leaders and the chaotic dance of interests versus intentions. Each pick offers a unique glimpse into understanding real-world geopolitics!
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Personal Choices Mirror Geopolitics
- Casablanca models how individual choices reflect broader geopolitical alignments during WWII.
- Jacob Shapiro says Rick’s cynicism turning into committed action reveals national identity and moral choice under pressure.
Bond Films As Soft Geopolitical Primer
- Early James Bond films teach casual geopolitical lessons through pop spectacle and setting.
- Marko Papic argues pre-1990s Bond embeds offhand references to real-world power and cultures that educate viewers.
Dune As A Geopolitical Model
- Dune functions as a simplified geopolitical laboratory that teaches system-level dynamics.
- Jacob Shapiro says the franchise compresses war, resources, religion, and statecraft into an instructive model.