Isolationism In Black Panther

In the film Black Panther, there are a few differing opinions regarding how the fictional nation Wakanda should act towards other nations when it comes to providing shelter and resources. At the beginning of the film, it was established that Wakanda has always been completely isolated from the rest of the world, withholding their extremely powerful and useful resource known as Vibranium from the outside world. They also avoid intervening in international issues, and carry the facade of being a poor African nation. Though some of the main characters have opposing views on how Wakanda should carry itself in front of the world, I personally understand aspects of each argument. Ultimately, though, I agree with T’Challa’s ending viewpoint the most.

Not only did T’Chaka and his predecessors fear colonization similar to how it has happened to almost all real African nations, but they also feared the discovery of their resource Vibranium, which is single-handedly responsible for most technological and medical advancements in Wakanda. Another reason for supporting isolationism in Wakanda is brought up in the movie by King T’Challa’s advisor W’Kabi, who explained that opening doors to refugees would also open the door for their problems to threaten Wakanda. I personally do see the views of T’Chaka to be valid, and understand that he upholds this decision for the sake of his people’s safety. Outside of that though, I think this view is too pessimistic and views isolating Wakanda as the sole solution to keeping issues out of the nation. As seen through the movie, even though Wakanda was seen as a third world nation, Ulysses Klaw knew of vibranium and knew that there was large amounts being hidden from the world. If he was able to know these despite the facade Wakanda put up, there could be many others who are aware and simply staying in hiding isn’t going to save Wakanda. I think, if anything, they should focus more on preparing to defend