First Video Rubric For Movie Essays Due No Later Than
It Is The First Videorubric For Movie Essaysdue No Later Than 1130 P
It is the first Video Rubric for Movie essays: Due no later than 11:30 pm on December 3rd. Must be uploaded in the Assignment boxes for the movie essays. 12 point font Double-spaced 500 words minimum USE paragraphs to organize your thoughts! DO NOT SIMPLY TELL THE STORY IN THE MOVIE! The point is NOT to tell me the whole movie, but to use the movie to talk about points that affect international relations.
Pick out the political issues that are part of the movie...for instance, on Mussolini, one of the issues would be authoritarian leadership in the world. You would want to discuss HOW he was authoritarian/fascist, what impact that ideological attitude had on his leadership, on Italy, on the world. On a movie like Hotel Rwanda, you would want to talk about genocide and how it got started in that country. What is the back story that set the stage for it? What was the immediate cause that instigated it? What was the extent of it? What can be done to prevent genocide in the future? On Thirteen Days, you would talk about the decision-making process of both the US and the USSR during the crisis, the role of back-channel or two-tier diplomacy, the threat of nuclear war, the problems of diplomacy to avoid such confrontation, and that much of diplomacy does not involve words but actions instead, with actions being equal to words in these contexts. The importance of open channels of diplomacy to prevent crises should also be discussed.
Paper For Above instruction
The depiction of political issues in films provides a unique lens through which to analyze international relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. Movies serve not only as entertainment but also as reflections of political ideologies, conflicts, and crises that shape global history. This essay examines three films—"Mussolini," "Hotel Rwanda," and "Thirteen Days"—to explore how they portray critical political issues and what lessons they impart for understanding international relations today.
Starting with "Mussolini," the film vividly illustrates the rise of authoritarianism and fascism in the early 20th century. Benito Mussolini’s leadership epitomized the authoritarian style characterized by centralized control, suppression of opposition, and manipulation of mass propaganda to maintain power. The film underscores how Mussolini’s ideological stance transformed Italy into a fascist state, influencing Europe’s political climate profoundly. His regime’s aggressive expansionism and alliance with Nazi Germany precipitated World War II, demonstrating the dangerous consequences of unchecked authoritarian leadership. Analyzing Mussolini’s political attitude reveals how such leadership can destabilize regions and threaten global security, emphasizing the importance of resisting authoritarian tendencies in contemporary geopolitics.
"Hotel Rwanda" focuses on the 1994 Rwandan genocide, providing a stark portrayal of ethnic violence and international failure to intervene. The film explores the historical background of colonial divisions, which exacerbated ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis, creating a fragile social fabric. The immediate trigger for the genocide was the assassination of the Rwandan President—a tragic catalyst that unleashed mass slaughter. This atrocity reveals how deep-rooted historical grievances, coupled with political incitement, can lead to catastrophic violence. The film prompts reflection on prevention strategies, such as early warning systems, international diplomacy, and humanitarian intervention frameworks, to prevent future genocides. The importance of understanding backstory and immediate causes underscores the need for proactive measures in diplomacy and international law to safeguard civilian lives.
"Thirteen Days" offers an in-depth look at the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing the complexities of crisis decision-making during Cold War tensions. The film highlights the critical role of high-stakes diplomacy, including back-channel negotiations and the use of secret communications to avoid nuclear war. It demonstrates how the United States and the Soviet Union navigated a perilous standoff by employing cautious yet strategic actions, emphasizing that diplomacy extends beyond words into actions that communicate intent and resolve. The crisis underscored the importance of open channels of communication, strategic patience, and understanding in averting global catastrophe. Lessons drawn from "Thirteen Days" reinforce the necessity of transparent diplomacy and strategic communication in modern international relations, illustrating how miscalculations or lack of dialogue can have devastating consequences.
Overall, these films depict complex political issues that remain relevant today. "Mussolini" warns against the dangers of authoritarianism; "Hotel Rwanda" emphasizes the importance of understanding historical contexts to prevent genocides; and "Thirteen Days" showcases the critical role of diplomacy in crisis management. Analyzing these narratives enhances our comprehension of international relations, highlighting the importance of historical awareness, dialogue, and proactive policy to maintain global stability and peace. These lessons remain vital in a world where political tensions and conflicts continue to challenge international stability.
References
- Bonnie, R. J. (2019). Politics and film: New approaches to cinema and political science. Routledge.
- Horsley, J. (2004). Uncivil war: The struggle for Rwanda's future. Human Rights Watch.
- Jervis, R. (2017). Perception and misperception in international politics. Princeton University Press.
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- Schmitter, P. C., & Karl, T. L. (2019). The limits of democracy: Political regimes and political development. Routledge.
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