PAPER OF SECURITY STUDIES

“CAPTAIN AMERICA THE WINTER SOLDIER’S IMPLIED

MESSAGE : SECURITY REALISM IN A NUTSHELL”

BY :

WAKHID APRIZAL MA’RUF

( 14010413140064 )

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STUDY PROGRAMME

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SCIENCES FACULTY

DIPONEGORO UNIVERSITY

2014

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CHAPTER ONE

ABSTRACT

Film, often called motion picture, is a series of

pictures which create moving images. As a modern

communication media, film is more than just a moving

pictures. Since it’s visual, it become attractive.

Special effects, live actions, great acting, and

beautiful imagery make film can easily attract people

and deliver it messages. In this case, a film also

affect the mind of its spectators by delivering implied

messages to be contemplated by its spectators.

Released at April 4th, 2014, Captain America : The

Winter Soldier, the sequel of The First Avenger, tell

the story of Steve Rogers as Captain America ( starred

by Chris Evans ) after the event on “The Avengers”.

Steve Rogers is trying to adapt with living in modern

America after being frozen in ice for 50 years and in

the same time, serve S.H.I.E.L.D. as one of their

agents. Then, a new threat against S.H.I.E.L.D. arises

called "The Winter Soldier". While the origins of the

Winter Soldier are unknown, Steve also reveals that

there is actually threat from H.Y.D.R.A. Things getting

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worse after it compromises Nick Fury and Agent

Romanoff, leaving them betrayed and left for dead, and

their S.H.I.E.L.D. status revoked, labelled all of them

as organization traitors. What he and Romanoff discover

after, is a top secret project called "Operation

Insight” .1

Meanwhile, although there are various opinion of

realism, commonly realists shared single point of

view.2 The most fundamental is Hobbes’ 9 basic

assumption of human nature inside his work, Leviathan.

Application of these assumptions on international

realms escalates Security Studies to its prominence.

When you know everyone around you are evil, it’s a must

to be secure, whatever it takes. So do states, whatever

it takes, they will try to ensure their security to

create peace and prosperity. In this realism terms,

military is basic needs of security.

As human tries to enhance their security, what

will be done is power accumulation. This happens when

human believe, only the stronger are more secure. So do

states, by enhance their military power, as the most

basic needs of security, states will be more secure.

Realist believe, race of power accumulation, popular as

“arms race”, will create a “balance of power” which

results a peaceful world.1 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/plotsummary ( visited on 5thOctober 2014 )2 Williams, Paul. Security Studies, An Introduction. p 16

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So, from explanations above, what is the

correlation between them? How points of security

realism can be inside the implied message from Captain

America? This paper will answer this question.

Keywords : Realism, Project Insight, Security Realism

CHAPTER TWO

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CAPTAIN AMERICA THE WINTER SOLDIER’S

IMPLIED MESSAGE : SECURITY REALISM

I. REALISM THEORY : IN DEPTH

Since this paper will provide many discussion of

realism, it will be improper if realism, as theory,

do not get the first attention. Realism, as one of

the school of International Relations, emerged

during war period of 20th century. While Realism as

a formal discipline in International Relations did

not emerge until World War II, its predecessor

assumptions have been written in many works from

many scientists. Two most prominence figures of

Realism are Thomas Hobbes, father of Realism, and

Nicolo Machiavelli. Hobbes, as it’s said before,

contributing in realism thought by wrote Leviathan

in which he stated the state of nature was prone to

a "war of all against all". Meanwhile Machiavelli

wrote Il Principe (The Prince) in which he argue

that the only goal of a prince (politician) was to

seek power, without considering religious or ethical

considerations. These and many other thoughts, later

bring realism centered upon four propositions.3

3 Jack Donnelly, "The Ethics of Realism", in Christian Reus-Smit, Duncan Snidal (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of International Relations, Oxford University Press, 2008, p. 15

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First proposition is that the international system

is anarchic. There is no actor above states capable

of regulating their interactions; states must arrive

at relations with other states on their own, rather

than it being dictated to them by some higher

controlling entity.This is called as international

anarchy.

How it possible to be an anarchy? Cynthia Weber

explains some reasons.4 The first one is that

international politics composed by sovereign nation-

states and there is no power above them. All states

are assumed as independent and free. State has

absolute authority over its territory, people, and

to have independence internationally. It’s known as

sovereignity.

Second one is that, in fact, there is no world

government. Mirriam-Webster dictionary defines

government as “the group of people who control and

make decisions for a country, state”5. So, government

is the controller and decision maker, which, is

stronger and has more authority than others. In

fact, there is nothing more powerful than the state.

It has nothing behold them. Since states have

nothing to be obeyed, they have what is called as

4 Weber, Cynthia. 2005. “Realism” in International Relations Theory : A Critical Introduction (2nd). New York : Routledge5 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/government (visited atOctober 9th, 2014 )

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international independence. This kind of

independence, make states’ independence not to be

lose when they join international oganization. Also,

this make their participation in organization is

voluntary. So they can join or quit whenever they

want.

The third reason is the word “anarchy” itself. It

can be defined briefly as “absence of government”.6

In terms of international realms, it is explained as

“lack of orderer”. Orderer here is defined as

“something which self-conciously imposes order in a

top-down way onto sovereign nation-states”7. Even if

there are existed some more powerful entity, such as

USA or Russia, anarchy in international politics are

still prevails. This is because of the absence of

world government as explained before.

Second proposition is that states are the most

important actors. This propositions came to rise

because during Realism develops, there are nothing

powerful than states. States control everything,

from individual until industries. Even,

international organization has lack of dignity

towards states. This can be exampled by the failure

6 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anarchy?show=0&t=1412790389(visited at October 9th, 2014)7 Weber, Cynthia. 2005. “Realism” in International Relations Theory : A Critical Introduction (2nd). New York : Routledge

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of League of Nations to prevent World War II and UN

minimal intervention of Cold War.

Third proposition is that all states within the

system are unitary, rational actors. States tend to

pursue self-interest. Self-interest is the central

concept that makes politics into an autonomous

discipline. This is explained by Karpowicz

Rational state actors pursue their nationalinterests. Therefore, a rational theory ofinternational politics can be constructed. Sucha theory is not considering on morality,religious beliefs, motives or ideologicalpreferences of individual political leaders. Italso indicates that in order to avoidconflicts, states should avoid moral crusadesor ideological confrontations, and look forcompromise on the basis of satisfaction oftheir mutual interests alone.8 (Karpowicz : 2013)

This make state relations in anarchical world are

possible. Because each of them is going to reach

their goal to fulfill their self-interest. By making

relation, if it’s too harsh to put word “

utilization “, with other states, it can be a good

catalysator for their interests. This is because

states are actually need other states. Sometimes,

one state are lack of required resources which other

8 Korab-Karpowicz, W. Julian, "Political Realism in International Relations", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.)

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state has, and vice versa. Thus it will create a

relation between them.

Fourth proposition, and will be the focus of this

paper, is that the primary concern of all states is

survival. States build up military to survive, which

may lead to a security dilemma. Survive is defined

as “to remain alive or in existence”9. As existence

is a basic human rights, state existence is also a

basic rights of a state. No state wants theirs

abolished or devastated, everyone wants to survive.

This passion to survive is challenged by the reality

that everyone’s evil. This way of think has become

fundamental in realism.

But survive isn’t enough. As Thucydides has said

before “the strong do what they can and the weak

suffer what they must”10. Survival just make sure

you’re alive but doesn’t mean a prosperity will be

created. Because the weak will suffer and stronger

goes freer. Without a freedom, it’s hard to realize

prosperity. So, security become vital to make sure

every state are safe and sound to enrich itself.

According to realism security studies, of course,

the most effective way to enhance your security is

accumulate your military power. Just an easy

9 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survive ( visited October 14th, 2014 )10 http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thucydides (visited October 16th, 2014 )

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parable, who dare to attack someone with martial

arts and weaponry ability? Who dare to attack a

state with full military power? Even, by a

mesmerizing military power, state may stop an attack

even before it’s planned.

II. CAPTAIN AMERICA THE WINTER SOLDIER IN DEPTH

STORIES : WHO IS S.H.I.E.L.D AND WHAT IS

PROJECT INSIGHT?

As said before in introduction, there is two

subjects that become a focus on this paper. The

first is S.H.I.E.L.D and its project on the film,

project Insight.

According to wiki site of Marvel films,

S.H.I.E.L.D. is the abbreviation of Strategic

Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics

Division. 11 Founded to combat technologically

advanced threats on world security (specifically the

menace of Hydra), S.H.I.E.L.D. has, throughout the

years, remained on the front lines fighting

terrorism and extraterrestrial menaces as an

international ( owned by US, exactly ) intelligence

agency.12

11 http://marvel.wikia.com/Strategic_Homeland_Intervention,_Enforcement_and_Logistics_Division_(Earth-616) ( visited October 16th, 2014 )12 Op.cit

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Meanwhile, project Insight, is a security project

runs by S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s comprised of 3 next-

generation helicarriers ( a strategic airlifter

which flies in a course of helicopter ) which have

ability to shoot sharply to their targets. Their

decent shoot are assisted by satellite. But the

technologies applied are not just to shoot sharply,

it can detect the target’s DNA and determine if they

are potential to harm or hazardous. So, as an

example, it can shoot a suicide bomber even before

he starts to plan a bombing.

III. S.H.I.E.L.D AND PROJECT INSIGHT : SECURITY

REALISM IN A NUTSHELL

After seeing the explanation of S.H.I.E.L.D. and

Prjoct Insight, then, how Captain America : The Winter

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Soldier ( will be abbreviated as CATWS after ) can

reflect the points of security realism?

Now, it’s time for main course of this essay. Let’s

move to some parts of the film to proof it. From the

beginning of the film, CATWS has proclaimed itself as

a realist movie. Those parts above is the best example

of how CATWS prove itself as realist movie. As it has

been written above, this parts, “despite all of the

negotiations, to build a really better world, sometimes

means having to tear the old one down” is resembling

the renowned point of security realism, si vis pacem para

bellum,13 if you want peace, prepare for war.

That’s why military is there. As the frontline

belligerent of war, military provide vital access to

victory. That’s how peace is made. Winston Churchill

has stated how vital military on security achievements.

He said

“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visitviolence on those who would harm us.”14

Clearly, without military, life of a nations cannotbe done peacefully and freely.

13 Vegetius. Epitome Of Military Science - Google Books. Books.google.com. Retrieved 2011-03-13. Vegetius has: Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum. ( visited at 24 October 201414 http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/39557-we-sleep-safely-at-night-because-rough-men-stand-ready

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Then, it’s the project Insight itself. As it’s

statedtechnologies applied are not just to shoot

sharply, it can detect the target’s DNA and

determine if they are potential to harm or

hazardous. So, as Fury said in the image above,

threats will be neutralised. There is an adagium in

realism that “ prepare for the worst is the best option”. Realism

believe that everyone’s evil, everyone has potent to

make a danger. So, by believing that everyone is set

to be killed for his potential danger, a worst

possibility in the future will be evaded

successfully.

But there is also a dilemma when realism in

security is applied. Has it be sacrificing many

people to secure others? Why must create fear to

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achieve security? It’s explained on the part when

Captain America arguing about Project Insight.

CHAPTER III

CONCLUSION

After reviewing some works on realism and security

realism, it conclude the good points of that. State

survival isn’t enough. As Thucydides has said before

“the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what

they must”. Survival just make sure you’re alive but

doesn’t mean a prosperity will be created. Because the

weak will suffer and stronger goes freer. Without a

freedom, it’s hard to realize prosperity. So, security

become vital to make sure every state are safe and

sound to enrich itself.

Meanwhile, after reviewing Captain America, there

are some good points of security realism. Before a

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peace, be ready for war is a good one. It’s needed a

good military to be well prepared for war. Also,

prepare for the worst. Security can be achieved by

eliminate it’s potential. Although it’s mean “judge

people before law”. But it’s right since Realism based

on the consensus that “everyone’s evil”. But there is

also a dilemma on that. Should we create security

through fear?

GLOSSARIES

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http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/plotsummary ( visited on 5th October 2014 )

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/survive ( visited October 14th, 2014 )

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thucydides (visited October 16th, 2014 )]

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/39557-we-sleep-safely-at-night-because-rough-men-stand-ready

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/government (visited at October 9th, 2014 )

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anarchy?show=0&t=1412790389(visited at October 9th, 2014)

http://marvel.wikia.com/Strategic_Homeland_Intervention,_Enforcement_and_Logistics_Division_(Earth-616) ( visited October 16th, 2014 )

Duncan Snidal (eds.), The Oxford Handbook of International Relations, Oxford University Press, 2008,p. 15

Jack Donnelly, "The Ethics of Realism", in Christian Reus-Smit,

Korab-Karpowicz, W. Julian, "Political Realism in International Relations", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.)

Weber, Cynthia. 2005. “Realism” in International Relations Theory : A Critical Introduction (2nd). New York : Routledge

Williams, Paul. Security Studies, An Introduction. p 16

Vegetius. Epitome Of Military Science - Google Books.Books.google.com. Retrieved 2011-03-13. Vegetius has: Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum. ( visitedat 24 October 2014 )

SECURITY REALISM IN A NUTSHELL WAKHID APRIZAL MA'RUF