Aparna Bhatnagar
Introduction
Greta Garbo’s widely anticipated film ‘Barbie’ released in July 2023 amidst a whirlwind of controversy and debate. The source of contention lies in one of its scenes which encompassed a subtle yet significant depiction of the disputed ‘nine-dash line’, a cartographic symbol emblematic of China’s assertion of sovereignty in the South China Sea. This depiction sparked tensions among the countries bordering the region, promoting an examination of the geopolitical ramifications of such a representation. Drawing inspiration from the fervor surrounding this recent controversy, this article explores the role of Hollywood in shaping the discourse on international law and maintaining global hegemony. It underscores that the use of storytelling as a form of strategic messaging in today’s digital age transcends mere entertainment, actively influencing public perceptions of international law, geopolitical conflicts, and the intricate web of international relations.
The South China Sea dispute, encompassing both territorial and maritime dimensions, constitutes a complex and long-standing geopolitical imbroglio in Southeast Asia. It involves multiple sovereign entities, including but not limited to China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei. At the heart of this discord lies the debate over the ownership of islands and reefs, delineation of maritime boundaries, and control over valuable energy resources. Rich in natural resources like fish, oil, and gas, the South China Sea’s contested control holds economic and strategic importance. Of notable significance is China’s historical claim to an extensive portion of the South China Sea, as delineated by the contentious “Nine-Dash Line”. This stance has led to heightened regional tensions and geopolitical complexities, contributing to the intricacy of the dispute. Furthermore, China has undertaken extensive land reclamation and construction initiatives on diverse South China Sea features, prompting concerns regarding militarization and its potential ramifications on the freedom of navigation within the area.
The South China Sea remains a hotbed of territorial disputes despite calls for negotiation and sovereignty preservation. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China’s nine-dash line claim, stating it had no legal basis under international law and had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights. A significant step towards resolution was the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), a non-binding agreement signed between China and the ASEAN bloc in 2002. The DOC encourages peaceful dispute resolution, respecting freedom of navigation. A 2023 summit between China and ASEAN aimed to expedite negotiations on a code of conduct to prevent conflict.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes the legal framework for ocean use, guaranteeing freedom of navigation. However, differing interpretations, particularly between China and the US, contribute to tensions, especially regarding military activities. Despite objections, the US conducts Freedom of Navigation Operations, reflecting the broader geopolitical challenge where the US and allies unite against China’s regional dominance, ensuring that the South China Sea issue persists. The South China Sea dispute has implications for regional stability, international law, and the geopolitical balance in the Asia-Pacific region.
How Hollywood employs ‘Cultural Imperialism’ To Appease China
According to Peter Zinoman, professor of history and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, the nine-dash line holds different meanings for the Chinese and Vietnamese. “To the Chinese, it represents their rightful claims to the South China Sea. In contrast, for the Vietnamese, it signifies a ‘brazen act of imperialist bullying’, prioritizing Chinese national interests over a longstanding sense of socialist camaraderie” The perceived trend of Hollywood engaging in imperialistic tactics to cater to the Chinese market involves a complex interplay of economic interests, political considerations, and artistic compromise.
Hollywood’s strategies to accommodate China have undergone a discernible shift. While historically studios went to great lengths to tailor content for the Chinese audience, the current approach is characterized by a cautious avoidance of any material that might incur displeasure from Chinese authorities. This evolution in Hollywood’s engagement with China reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) consolidates control over its society, and U.S.-China relations experience a cooling trend, Hollywood navigates a delicate equilibrium. Beyond merely avoiding objectionable content, Hollywood is now actively integrating elements aligning with the CCP’s worldview, driven by the industry’s pursuit of the lucrative People’s Republic of China (PRC) market while minimizing potential diplomatic tensions.
The controversy surrounding the Barbie movie serves as an illustrative case, however it is not the first film to delve into controversy. Previous instances of Hollywood actively promoting the ‘nine-dash line’ are discernible in DreamWorks’ animated production Abominable, Sony’s live-action interpretation of the video game series Uncharted, and an Australian espionage drama titled Pine Gap. Many contend that the film’s producers, eyeing success in the PRC market, were willing to adopt the PRC’s geographical perspective, effectively acknowledging it as a form of disinformation. The approval for Barbie to screen in China is considered indicative of Hollywood’s willingness to align with China’s views, highlighting the paramount economic considerations at play. This scenario underscores the intricate interplay between Hollywood and Chinese authorities, where commercial interests often influence content decisions, potentially shaping global narratives and perspectives.
Storytelling As A Form Of ‘Strategic Messaging’
Storytelling serves as a potent means of strategic messaging, and Hollywood’s global reach allows it to wield significant influence in shaping perceptions not only within the realm of entertainment but also in the broader context of international law. Films and television series produced by Hollywood are not merely sources of entertainment; they function as vehicles for cultural narratives that can impact public understanding and attitudes toward legal frameworks and geopolitical issues. Within these narratives, legal themes are often intricately woven, providing audiences with dramatized portrayals of legal proceedings, international conflicts, and historical events. While the creative interpretation may diverge from the intricacies of actual international law, the representation of legal concepts contributes to public awareness and comprehension of complex legal issues on a global scale.
Furthermore, Hollywood’s storytelling can play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of nations, cultures, and legal systems. By depicting certain countries or actors in specific lights, these narratives can influence how audiences view international conflicts, legal disputes, and the actors involved. The implicit messaging embedded in these narratives can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the soft power dynamics among nations and contributing to the global narrative on justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Cultural diplomacy, inherent in Hollywood’s storytelling, becomes a form of soft power projection. The narratives presented can align with or challenge certain geopolitical perspectives, influencing global attitudes toward nations and their legal positions.
However, the inherent power of storytelling also comes with ethical considerations, as the choices made in narratives can have implications for how moral and legal dilemmas are perceived on the global stage. Moreover, when Hollywood productions incorporate controversial elements such as the depiction of disputed territories, like the South China Sea with the nine-dash line, they inadvertently become part of geopolitical discourse. The inclusion of such elements may be interpreted as implicit endorsements or legitimizations of particular legal and geopolitical stances, potentially conflicting with established international law and contributing to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Mass Media’s Soft Power and the Transformative Nature of International Law
In essence, Hollywood’s engagement in imperialistic tactics to appease China underscores the intricate challenges facing the film industry in a globalized landscape. The self-censorship observed in Hollywood, where films may undergo alterations to align with the political sensitivities of Chinese authorities, raises concerns about the potential compromise of creative freedom. At the same time, placing bans on Hollywood films not only attracts increased global attention but also allows China to portray itself as a victim. As studios navigate these complexities to secure access to the vast Chinese audience, the debate continues over whether such compromises amount to a form of ‘cultural imperialism’. The initial promise of democratization within contemporary mass culture and media transforms into what can be identified as ‘Neo-Gramscian Hegemony.’ This shift reflects a nuanced power dynamic where cultural influence is exerted not through overt coercion but through subtle, pervasive narratives that shape the collective consciousness.
This complex interplay between the film industry and global narratives holds potential repercussions for international law discourse. As films become powerful vehicles for cultural expression and influence, their impact on societal perspectives can shape perceptions of legal and ethical norms. Cinematic compromises for market access may inadvertently contribute to a ‘soft power’ dynamic, influencing international law discussions and potentially diluting the universality of legal principles. The recognition of these dynamics prompts a need for careful consideration of the ethical dimensions of content creation and the potential impact on international law discourse. As the film industry’s influence continues to extend across borders, it becomes essential to explore how cinematic compromises may either reinforce or challenge established legal frameworks, emphasizing the interconnectedness between cultural expression, media influence, and the evolution of international law.
(Aparna Bhatnagar is a penultimate year student at Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai. She can be reached at aparna.bhatnagar@mnlumumbai.edu.in.)
Indian Blog of International Law 