The International Politics of Superheroes

Follow your favorite caped crusaders (and foes) to learn about the current world order. Mariano Turzi explains the main theories of international relations through Batman, Two-Face, and the Justice League. The Hulk illuminates Russia's foreign policy and Aquaman sheds light on climate change. The X-Men experience the same dramas as refugees and Tony Stark personifies modern warfare. How is Spiderman like the UN and Wonder Woman's soft power comparable to the European Union? You will learn about globalization through Flash and about American hegemony with Superman and Captain America. Even Bane and his face mask appear, anticipating the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Taking superheroes and supervillains as myths or modern archetypes, the book invites you to a super-journey through the fascinating universe of structures, themes, protagonists, and problems of world affairs. Contents Preface Acknowledgments Part I: X-Ray Visions 1 Liberalism 2 Batman’s Realism 3 Constructivism 4 Red Son and Structuralism 5 Dr. Strange’s Intersectional Perspective Part II: The Multiverses 6 Superman 7 The Flash as Globalization 8 Cyborg 9 Peter’s Web Part III: Why We Fight 10 War 11 Doomsday Clock 12 Lex Luthor and Victor von Doom 13 The X-Men 14 Climate Change 15 Green Lantern Part IV: The Players 16 The United States 17 Wonder Woman 18 Emerging Countries 19 China 20 Is Russia Like the Hulk? 21 Latin America’s Eternal Return 22 Epilogue Notes Index References "This book covers the theories of international relations, pressing current issues, as well as the structures and main players in world politics through the medium of superheroes and supervillains"-- Provided by publisher.