Why International Relations Matter in Fiction and Media

International relations might sound like a topic reserved for diplomats or political analysts, but it’s actually a crucial part of most stories—whether we're binging on Netflix, reading a book, or scroll on social media.

In a world that’s more connected than ever, how countries interact with each other plays a significant role in shaping our global narratives. If you’ve ever watched a spy thriller, read about the intricate political maneuvering in a dystopian novel, or even laughed at a comedy featuring cultural clashes, you've encountered the influence of international relations.

Why do international relations matter in fiction and media?

Fiction Reflects the Real World

One of the most significant ways international relations show up in fiction is through how countries interact within stories. Think about movies like The Hunger Games, where the Capitol’s oppressive regime is in constant tension with the districts. The stories mirror real-world relationships between global powers, conflicts, and alliances.

In fact, fiction often serves as a reflection of our current political climate, even if the plot and setting is fictional. Think The Hunger Games or Handmaid's Tale. Writers take what’s happening in the world and use it as a backdrop for tension and drama—because politics, wars, diplomacy, and economic alliances are inherently dramatic. They’re full of power struggles, alliances, betrayals, and, yes, even a little bit of espionage for fun.

So when you see a story where countries are in conflict, whether overt or subtle, it’s often tapping into the real-world anxieties and concerns of the time. The characters and situations in these stories are shaped by the international context in which they exist, even if it’s all set in a futuristic dystopia or a completely fictional universe.

Cultures Colliding: The Beauty (and Chaos) of Globalization

International relations are at the heart of many stories that involve cultural exchanges, travel, and any other clashes of cultures. The modern world is more interconnected than ever, so it’s only natural that fiction follows suit. Think about how Emily in Paris leans into cultural differences between Emily’s American naivity and the more reserved, romanticized French culture. Or how movies like Crazy Rich Asians showcase the tension between the East and the West, navigating cultural expectations, family loyalty, and identity in a globalized world. These stories aren’t just about humor or tension—they’re about how people from different cultural backgrounds interact and the impact of globalization on our everyday lives.

In real life, international relations affect everything from trade and immigration to social media trends and pop culture. In fiction, the collision of these diverse cultures creates both moments of comedy and drama. It shows how characters from different countries bring different worldviews to the table, which is something you see in everything from international romances to political thrillers. These cross-cultural interactions can make stories feel more relatable and grounded in our shared global reality—because at the end of the day, we’re all in this interconnected world together.

Creating Relatable Characters Across Borders

International relations aren’t just about countries as abstract entities—they’re about the people who live within them. Characters from different countries offer opportunities to explore what it means to be an individual shaped by the larger forces of global politics. Take the character of Irina from Desperate Housewives, a Russian woman who uses her cultural background as a tool to manipulate and charm. Though her character is exaggerated for comedic effect, it still reflects some real-world perceptions of Russian women in media, and Desperate Housewives plays with these stereotypes to explore character motivations, drama, and personal agendas.

Characters who come from different international backgrounds often serve as a vehicle for exploring identity and belonging. How do they navigate a world that is shaped by their country’s politics? How do they balance their cultural roots with the pressures of the global stage? Stories that tackle these questions allow us to better understand the complexities of identity in the modern world—and why this matters in fiction.

Take The Good Place, which uses its global and cultural diversity to examine ideas of morality, the afterlife, and personal growth. By showcasing characters from different countries and backgrounds, it invites viewers to rethink their own values in a global context. Similarly, films like Parasite offer a powerful commentary on class, inequality, and the economic disparities that shape societies. These themes are deeply tied to the ways countries relate to one another, whether through trade, immigration, or the global distribution of wealth.

The Power of Diplomacy in Plotlines

Let’s be real: James Bond would not be the same without international politics.

The entire franchise thrives on the complexities of diplomacy, espionage, and shifting global alliances. Whether it’s a fictional country in the middle of a Cold War-like scenario or a high-stakes political negotiation between nations, the intrigue of international relations is often the backdrop for the high-stakes action we crave.

Even in the most action-packed blockbusters, international relations add layers to the plot. The bad guys aren’t just from “anywhere”—they’re often part of a rogue nation or a global conspiracy that highlights the way world powers interact behind the scenes. Similarly, House of Cards uses real-world international tensions to explore how political ambition plays out on the global stage, showing how foreign policy decisions have far-reaching effects. These shows and films work because they tap into the reality that, in the world of politics and power, everything is connected.

Real-World Impact

Why should we care about international relations in fiction and media? Because stories shape our worldview, and understanding how countries interact can help us better navigate the real world. Whether you’re a college student studying abroad, a young professional negotiating a job offer with an international company, or just someone who’s curious about global events, being aware of the international dynamics that shape our world can be the difference between being an engaged citizen and someone who simply observes.

Fiction allows us to engage with these complex issues in an accessible way—through drama, comedy, action, or romance.

And it encourages us to think critically about how our own lives are impacted by international relations. The cultural exchange between nations, the political alliances and rivalries, the tensions and compromises—these are all at play in the stories we consume.

The Global Stage

The next time you’re watching Netflix or reading a book, take a moment to think about the international relations at play. How do the characters’ countries influence their actions? How do the fictional politics in these worlds mirror the real ones? Whether it's a love story, a political thriller, or a superhero saga, international relations shape the plotlines, characters, and themes in ways that make stories resonate across cultures. It’s not just entertainment—it’s an ongoing conversation about the world we live in.