Mandala:: One Film, Many Perspectives: Understanding The Issue of Climate Change in The Documentary Film

MANDALA: Vol.5 No.
1
Januari-Juni
Jurnal Ilmu Hubungan Internasional 2022
Received:20-03-2022
Accepted:14-03-2022
Published: 06-06-2022
One Film, Many Perspectives:

Understanding The Issue Of Climate Change In The Documentary Film
Before The Flood
Mohamad Rosyidin
Department of International Relations, Universitas Diponegoro
Email: mohamadrosyidin@lecturer.undip.ac.id
Ayu Sabrina
Department of International Relations, Universitas Diponegoro
Email: ayusabrina@students.undip.ac.id
Indra Kusumawardhana
International Relations Study Program, Universitas Pertamina
Email: soliloquy09@gmail.com
Abstract
There have been abundant literature concerning movies as a learning tool in

International Relations (IR). The use of movies as a learning tool matters in order
to achieve learning outcomes since movies could reduce the level of abstraction
of a concept. This paper aims to explain the global climate change phenomenon
depicted in a documentary film entitled Before the Flood using four main
theoretical approaches in IR, namely, realism, neoliberal institutionalism,
Marxism, and constructivism. This paper argues that Before the Flood is quite
relevant and effective to achieve learning outcomes of IR theories course.
Watching documentary films is expected to enrich learning methods in IR
particularly IR theories courses by using audio-visual instruments.
Keywords: Documentary Films; Learning Tool; Climate Change; IR Theories
Course
Abstrak
Riset tentang film sebagai media pembelajaran dalam studi Hubungan

Internasional (HI) sudah banyak dilakukan. Pemanfaatan film sebagai media
belajar penting dalam rangka mencapai tujuan pembelajaran sebab film dapat
menurunkan tingkat abstraksi dari sebuah konsep. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk
menjelaskan fenomena perubahan iklim dalam film dokumenter Before the Flood
menggunakan empat perspektif utama HI yaitu realisme, neoliberal-
institusionalisme, Marxisme, dan konstruktivisme. Artikel ini berpendapat bahwa
film dokumenter Before the Flood sangat relevan dan efektif untuk mencapai
tujuan pembelajaran mata kuliah Teori Hubungan Internasional. Menonton film
dokumenter diharapkan dapat memperkaya metode pembelajaran HI khususnya
mata kuliah Teori Hubungan Internasional dengan memanfaatkan media audio-
visual.
Kata kunci: Film Dokumenter; Media Pembelajaran; Perubahan Iklim; Teori
Hubungan Internasional
Page 64
Prodi Hubungan Internasional FISIP UPN”Veteran” Jakarta
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
Introduction (Vogler, 1995). Meanwhile, Bretherton

analyses from the perspectives of
Climate change has been a global
feminism by arguing that environmental
issue for a long time, especially after the
damage is caused by masculine
Cold War. Even before the dissolution of
domination so a feminine perspective is
the Soviet Union, the issue of climate
needed to save the world (Vogler, 1995).
change had become a major political issue
The analysis from the domestic level was
(Paterson and Grubb, 1992, p. 293).
put forward by Sprinz and Weiß (2001)
However, this issue only caught world
who argued that state policies to ratify the
attention once the Cold War was over. In
climate change convention are influenced
fact, according to Dalby, this issue had
by domestic groups pressures. Meanwhile,
been discussed in the 1970s but was only
O'Neill (2009) identified three approaches,
seriously studied in the late 1980s
namely the realist which emphasizes
(Williams, 2008, p. 261). Brown argues
power politics, the liberal emphasizes the
that post-Cold War ecological problems
institutional dimension, and the cognitivist
have become a fundamental threat to the
which emphasizes ideational elements.
international order (Brown, 1989, p. 519).
Apart from these three perspectives,
Likewise, Buzan conveyed that one of the
Vogler (2016) added a normative approach
crucial international security agendas after
stressing on the concept of justice as well
the Cold War is environmental security
as a sociological approach focusing on the
(Buzan, 1991). However, these arguments
reputation behind the implementation of
have rejected by realist adherents who
climate change agreements.
argue that environmental issues cannot be
Given the importance of
included in security studies because they
environmental issues for mankind today,
are not directly related to conflict or the
there have been many artistic works to
use of military force (Lynn-Jones, 1991).
illustrate the terrible impact of climate
From the academic standpoint,
change on human race. Hollywood has
theories of International Relations (IR)
produced sci-fi-themed movies, such as
have contributed a lot to the analyses of
The Day After Tomorrow (2004) and
global environmental issues. Paterson, for
Geostorm (2017). Many documentary
example, analyzes climate change
films raise the issue of global warmings,
conventions from the point of view of
such as An Inconvenient Truth (2006),
neorealism and neo-institutionalism
Page 65
Prodi Ilmu Hubungan Internasional FISIP UPN”Veteran” Jakarta
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
Chasing Ice (2012), and Before the Flood institutionalism, the phenomenon of
(2016). Except Before the Flood, most climate change can unite the interests of
documentary films highlight facts and data countries to cooperate. Third, according to
about the impact of global warming yet Marxism, the phenomenon of climate
tend to overlook how international change cannot be separated from the
relations relevant to the issue. influence of corporations that have a close
Movie is an effective medium of relationship with political power. Fourth,
teaching that could enhance student according to constructivism, the
understanding on certain issues. The phenomenon of climate change can be
sequel of An Inconvenient Truth entitled anticipated through the role of religion,
An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power culture, or tradition to respect nature.
tells a story about Al Gore’s efforts to
Theoretical framework
persuade the US government to provide
renewable energy and sign the 2016 Paris This article uses four analytical
Agreement (Climate Reality Project, frames to interpret the phenomenon of
2017). Even though it alludes to the climate change in the documentary film
political aspect, this film contains only a Before the Flood. First, realist approach
few elements of IR so it is less that focuses on state actors and national
representative as a learning tool in the IR interests. Realism has three basic
Theory course. assumptions. First, the main actor in
This article aims to answer the international relations is nation-states that
question: “How are IR theories relevant to act based on cost and benefit calculations
explain climate change phenomena as (or rational actors) in an anarchic
depicted in the documentary Before the international system. Second, state
Flood?” To answer this question, this interests are static in the context of
article uses four IR perspectives, namely conflicting international relations.
realism, neoliberal institutionalism, According to realists, the national interest
Marxism, and constructivism. The main of all countries is at least to defend
arguments of this article are fourfold: first, themselves (survival), whereas if possible
according to realists, the phenomenon of the state will dominate the international
climate change is a national security issue. system. Third, the most crucial element of
Second, according to neoliberal international relations is material
Page 66
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
capabilities, especially economic and institutionalist theory believes that in the

military (Legro and Moravscik, 1999). condition of anarchy cooperation remains
The leading figure of realism, possible. The key is that countries create
Kenneth Waltz, in his article stated that the international institutions or regimes that
national interest of all countries is to act as bridges of information to reduce
ensure their national security. For Waltz feelings of mutual suspicion as a
(1990), power is only a tool to achieve consequence of anarchy.
national security. In his greatest work, The international regime is the
Theory of International Politics, Waltz most crucial variable of institutionalist
(1979) pointed out that all states pursue theory. According to Keohane (1984),
security because security is a prerequisite international regimes serve as a forum for
for pursuing other goals. This assumption states to unite their interests. In other
differs from classical realists such as Hans words, international regimes are the
Morgenthau who treats power as the goal instrument of states national interests. As a
of the state. In the most frequently quoted result, international regimes reflect state
sentence, Morgenthau (1948, p. 1) states, interests. However, state interests may be
“International politics, like all politics, is a influenced by international regimes. It
power struggle. Whatever the ultimate means that international regimes provide
aims of international politics, power is references for states to formulate their
always the immediate aim.” In this paper, interests.
Waltz’s assumption that the national Third, this article also applies the
interest of all countries is to ensure theory of Marxism to analyze the
security will be the point of departure. phenomenon of climate change in the
Second, this article also uses a documentary film Before the Flood.
neoliberal-institutionalism approach or Marxism emphasizes the relationship
simply an institutionalist school of between economics and politics. This
thought. Even though it adopts a liberal theory adopts Karl Marx’s historical
perspective, this theory agrees with the materialism philosophy that history is
neorealist theory that the international determined by economic factors. This is
system is anarchic, thus creating feelings the principle so-called ‘economic
of mutual suspicion between countries. determinism’. In the context of
According to Keohane and Martin (2003), international relations, economic
Page 67
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
determinism implies that the economy understanding between actors (not

determines politics, not the other way individual understanding). Third, this
around. Marxism views international intersubjectivity shapes the interests and
actors as social classes, that are, the identities of actors (Finnemore and
capitalist and the proletariat class. Sikkink, 2001). One of the characteristics
According to Marxism, the history of of constructivist thinking is that actors (or
mankind is the history of class antagonism. also referred to as ‘agents’) and structures
Thus, the capitalist is and will always be in are mutually constituted. This idea is
conflict with the proletariat. borrowed from Anthony Giddens’ concept
For Marxists, a state is merely a of ‘dualism of structure’ in his
tool for the capitalists to pursue their own structuration theory; that social structure is
interests. The state is nothing more than a ‘product’ of social interaction but at the
the servant of the dominant class, that is, same time is a ‘medium’ that enable such
the group that controls capital. For interaction (Giddens, 1984).
Marxists, giant capitalists straddle the state International norms, therefore, can
and make the government the mouthpiece be categorized as ‘international structures’
of their interests (Rosyidin, 2020). With that condition how actors interact with
this assumption, Marxism holds that the each other. Although these norms are
national interest is nothing more than the made by the state, their interaction is
interests of the capitalists, which in this largely influenced by these norms. Apart
case are represented by big investors. from norms, culture also plays a crucial
Giant corporations control the formulation role in constructivist international
of state policies. relations. Jepperson, Wendt, and
Finally, this article applies a Katzenstein suggested that cultural and
constructivist approach where non- institutional factors have more influence
material elements are more important than on security issues and that these factors
material elements. Constructivism has influence not only state behavior but also
several basic premises. First, the state characteristics (or identity)
interaction between countries is more (Katzenstein, 1996). Desch (1998)
determined by ideational factors. Second, conveyed that culture has enriched post-
the most important ideational factor is Cold War security studies which include
intersubjectivity, namely shared organizational, political, strategic, and
Page 68
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
global culture. For constructivists, culture case study method. Thus, students
matters for analyzing international understand how to apply abstract ideas
relations since culture shapes how actors (theories) to explain phenomena.
view the world in which they are One of the objectives of IRT
embedded. learning can be achieved through the
method of movie screening. The study of
Result and Discussions Kuzma and Haney (2001) examines how
films are used to learn about US foreign
Film as a medium for learning in IR
policy. According to them, the use of films
In the International Relations
as a medium of learning is crucial to
Theory (IRT) course taught by all
achieve learning outcomes because films
campuses around the world, students who
can reduce the level of abstraction of a
take this course expect to master at least
concept. According to Simpson and
two main competencies. First, understand
Kaussler (2009), films simplify abstract
the basic assumptions of each theory. It
concepts or theories. They exemplified
includes understanding the history of
Black Hawk Down movie which tells the
thought that underlies the theory. For
student the concept of ‘humanitarian
example, students studying realist theory
intervention’ or the film 300 which tells
need to understand the thoughts of key
them key principles of realism.
realism figures such as Thucydides,
Indeed, a movie does not replace
Niccolo Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes.
the conventional method but rather
In addition, students are also expecting to
complements so that the underestanding of
understand the theoretical variants. For
teaching materials is more effective.
example, in studying realist theory,
However, according to Sunderland,
students need to understand the schools of
Rothermel, and Lusk (2009), the learning
realism such as classical realism,
method by watching movies in the course
neorealism, and neoclassical realism.
and then continuing with discussions
Second, after understanding these basic
proved to be less effective. They suggested
assumptions, students are also expected to
that a simulation method be added. It is
be able to apply them to analyze case
crucial to change student behavior from
studies. This task is important because
passive to active.
understanding the theory will be much
more effective if it is carried out using the
Page 69
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
In terms of its relevance to IR, there is relevance between films and the
films are worthwhile for depicting world- teaching materials. It is not clear which
historical events such as the Cold War. In parts of the film have relevance to the
addition, films are also helpful for taking a material. In addition, these works do not
closer look at international issues such as specifically examine the theory of IR. IR
terrorism and genocide. Films can also be theory is a subject with the highest level of
used to make it easier for students to abstraction so the use of film is expected to
understand cultural narratives, such as help students understand IR theory.
anti-government or anti-capitalist Unfortunately, these works fail to address
movements. Lastly, films make it easier this issue.
for students to understand IR theories, for Finally, previous works mostly use
example, postmodernism in the Pulp fiction films even though they are inspired
Fiction film (Engert and Spencer, 2009). by true stories. Although fiction genre
Valeriano (2013) also argues that films can adequately describe the reality of
film is an effective instrument to study international relations because they are
historical events and issues of international intended for entertainment and commercial
relations. However, films do not always purposes, fiction genre films tend to
have a positive impact. Although films can highlight dramatic aspects to serve the
enable students to see more concretely the film’s objectives. This paper, on the
international relations issues, films can contrary, uses a sample of documentary
also be boring and even stressful. Films films that cover reality as it is.
also tend to be simplistic and indulge in Although it has many weaknesses,
sensationalism when discussing abstract film as an IRT learning medium has
concepts. In addition, films can also be proven to be quite effective in achieving
less effective if students only see them as learning outcomes. Students tend to prefer
an entertainment, not a medium of learning lectures using audio-visual facilities rather
(Swimelar, 2013). than boring hours of lectures. Kabadayi’s
This article views that previous study (2012) revealed that the learning
works tend to focus on the benefits of film method involving video or film
as a medium of learning but pay less instruments was proven to be effective in
attention to details. In other words, these increasing the effectiveness of student
works only take film to demonstrate that learning compared to the lecture method.
Page 70
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
Furthermore, Kabadayi (2012) argued that method, the level of student understanding
if the lecture method is only able to is much higher than just listening and
maintain students’ attention for about 16- taking notes on the lecturer’s presentation.
20 minutes, then the audio-visual method
is much longer than that. The use of audio- IR theory at work on the issue of climate
visual media such as films, short videos, or change
picture illustrations helps activate student’s
right brain so that they can increase the Realism perspective
effectiveness of their learning. Most people are aware that the air
In the courses that I teach, I often temperature is getting warmer day by day,
show the short videos downloaded from sea levels are rising, and even the ice in the
the Youtube channel as a trigger for group Arctic region continues to melt. All of this
discussions. The video is related to lecture is the impact of climate change, and if it
material but focuses more on phenomena continues to happen, not only natural
at the empirical level. Based on the disasters will be common, but the security
broadcast, the lecturer then asked some of the country will also be threatened.
questions to all lecture participants. Several video clips in the documentary
Students are then assigned to solve Before the Flood make it clear that the
problems in their groups and then present impacts of climate change are not
the results before other groups. For unmitigated. Leonardo Di Caprio, who
example, in my Security Studies class, I was mandated by the UN as an
played a video about the phenomenon of environmental ambassador showed
people smuggling from Indonesia to concrete evidence of the impact of climate
Malaysia. I assign each group to answer a change. First, the flash flood that hit the
question whose answer is actually on the US. Second, the tidal flood and clean
show if the students listen carefully. For water crisis that hit Abaiang (Kiribati)
example, “What are the factors driving forced residents to migrate and evacuate to
people smuggling?” “Why has the other areas. Third, the scarcity of clean
government failed to tackle the water in Mexico has escalated into violent
phenomenon of people smuggling?” and conflict. Fourth, farmers in India have to
“What is the best way to tackle this cross- bear heavy losses due to agricultural fields
border crime?” With this active learning that are submerged in heavy rain
Page 71
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
equivalent to half a year in five hours. As a the agricultural sector which were
result, food security and supply were exacerbated by droughts and floods
disrupted. Fifth, in China, apart from prompted the population of Bangladesh to
deteriorating public health, worker migrate to India (Swain, 1996). The arrival
productivity has also declined, and this has of Bangladeshi immigrants sparked violent
led to a decline in the country’s conflict in the 1980s (Homer-Dixon,
production. Sixth, Greenland is predicted 1999). Then, in 1969, the war between
to disappear by the end of this decade. Honduras and El Salvador was caused by
These events are considered sufficient to none other than environmental degradation
prove that climate change is a real threat to (Preston and Durham, 1981). If the climate
national security, and there will not be a crisis continues, the country’s security will
single country that is not affected. certainly be in a situation full of
The phenomenon of climate change uncertainty.
can be read through the lens of realism. Referring to the 5th
While realism is concerned with traditional Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
issues such as war and national security, Change (IPCC) report, the issue of climate
climate change can trigger this to happen. change is expected to get worse and have a
As previously mentioned, the effects of major impact on social, economic, and
climate change trigger a scarcity of clean environmental conditions (IPPC, 2018). In
water in Mexico and lead to violent other words, climate change has become a
conflict. This in turn can trigger national threat multiplier for the survival of the
security vulnerabilities. The climate country (CNA Military Advisory Board,
emergency will further add to the long list 2014). In response to this, countries need
of conflicts and wars (Barnett and Adger, to reformulate security strategies as well as
2007). Indirectly, climate change affects strategic policies, such as including the
national security, starting from aggravating issue of climate change as a list of national
poverty, widening inequality, creating threats in the Defense White Paper (DWP).
political instability, and increasing illegal For example, the United States in the
immigration (Adger, 2010). These Quadrennial Defense Review 2010 and
problems trigger inter-state and intra-state 2014 (US Department of Defense, 2014)
conflicts. Tracing back, in the 1950s, and Australia in the 2016 DWP
conditions of poverty and dependence on (Australian Department of Defense, 2016)
Page 72
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
issued policies indicating that countries are

aware of the threat from the climate crisis. Figure 1. Video clip in the documentary
Climate change impacts globally, Before the Flood where Barack Obama calls
no matter how big or small a country is. climate change a national
Therefore, states need to take strategic security issue
steps, such as mitigation and adaptation to

Institutionalism perspective
strengthen national strength. Related to
The enormous impact and threat posed
this, mitigation means taking climate
by climate change have triggered the
change seriously, while adaptation means
international community’s concern about
adjusting to climate change. This is
the sustainability of life in the future. In
explicitly said by former US president
the documentary film Before the Flood,
Barack Obama to Leonardo Di Caprio in
almost all countries in the world have
the documentary film Before the Flood
agreed to build a joint commitment to
(minute 1:14). Obama said that what he
unite political intentions to solve the
worries most about the impacts of climate
problem of climate change (minute 1:09).
change are coastal communities. When the
Various negotiations on climate change
sea level rises, it doesn’t take long for
took place and even resulted in many
them to evacuate. Massive migration will
agreements that bind the members, such as
trigger social conflict due to limited
the Kyoto Protocol (Kyoto Protocol) and
resources. Obama continued that the
the Paris Agreement (Paris Agreement).
Pentagon (US Department of Defense)
As institutionalist’s assumption, this
called this issue a threat to national
commitment shows that even in the
security, not just an environmental issue.
conditions of anarchy, states will be able to
work together through the international
regime (Rosyidin, 2020). Keohane and
Martin (in Elman and Elman, 2003) argued
that one of the functions of the
international regime is to accommodate
states national interests. Furthermore, the
institutionalism perspective posits that
Sumber: Stevens, 2016. through multilateralism, different interests

between countries will be united under a
Page 73
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
common perception of the issue of emissions to a certain number, while non-

common threats. The Kyoto Protocol and Annex I am not burdened with the same
the Paris Agreement are diplomatic obligation. There are Annex I countries
achievements of international actors in that occupy the position of leading
building a framework for global emitters, such as China. On the other hand,
cooperation to prevent the expansion of the US as the country’s second-largest
climate change impacts while accelerating emitter after China was absent from this
the implementation of the sustainable agreement. In short, the peak of the failure
development agenda. As an international of the Kyoto Protocol was marked by the
environmental regime under the United decline in the number of ratifying
Nations Framework Convention on countries and the withdrawal of some
Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto leading emitters including Russia on the
Protocol sets a carbon emission reduction second commitment.
target of 5-8% (UNFCC, no year). The The failure of the Kyoto Protocol is
mechanisms for implementing the Kyoto like a strong rebuke to all countries that
Protocol are Joint Implementation (JI), leading emitters play a crucial role in
International Emission Trading (IET), and ensuring the success of the climate change
Clean Development Mechanism (Shislov, agreement. Therefore, it is necessary to
Morel, and Bellassen, 2016). In an build a new order and agenda, namely
implementation, the Kyoto Protocol is through the Paris Agreement. Broadly
considered a failure, both in terms of speaking, the results of the Paris
achievements and in binding the leading Agreement include: (1) reducing the rate
emitters or the largest emitters. This is of global temperature growth to below 2
because the implementation of the Kyoto degrees Celsius or even 1.5 degrees
Protocol emphasizes the principle of Celsius; (2) increasing the country's ability
common but differentiated responsibilities to adapt to the impacts of climate change;
and respective capabilities where and (3) encouraging green growth in poor
developed countries or Annex I receive a countries during the climate emergency
heavier burden than developing or non- (UNFCC, 2015). Then, why do leading
Annex I countries (Brunnée and Streck, emitters such as China, the US, and Russia
2013). Bearing in mind that Annex I is want to ratify this agreement?
obliged to reduce greenhouse gas
Page 74
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
China’s ratification of the Paris lot of pressure from countries that have
Agreement is arguably a risky policy. ratified the Kyoto Protocol and
Industrialization in China is listed as the environmental activists (Subarkah, 2017).
largest emitter in the world (BBC For Russia, the availability of
Indonesia, 2016). However, erratic dwindling natural resources, various
weather and climate anomalies have natural disasters that often occur, and
resulted in increasing water and air concerns about being away from
pollution in China (Lestari, 2019). This technological trends which have an impact
issue has had a major impact on China’s on losing access to foreign markets are
socio-economic development process as urgent for Russia to take part in the Paris
well as public health. The China National Agreement (Makarov, 2016). Russian
Climate Change Assessment Report states Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Gordeyev
that China’s involvement in the Paris confirmed that the Paris Agreement is a
Agreement is a historic momentum that second chance for Russia to shape the
shows its full commitment to fighting global climate agenda and save local lives
climate change (Zhai, 2019). (Reuters, 2019).
Meanwhile, for the US, by taking To conclude, both Kyoto Protocol
part in the Paris Agreement, the country and Paris Agreement reflect the role of
gets ample opportunity to invest in the multilateral institutions as an international
renewable energy sector and transfer regime to accommodate the interests of
technology even though it has to go countries in mitigating the impacts of
through a complicated ratification process, climate change. However, in line with the
both at domestic and international levels assumptions of the institutionalist theory,
(Chen and Schmidt, 2017). At the it is important to note that the willingness
domestic level, the long debate between of countries to join the Paris Agreement is
the Democratic Party and the Republican not based on the principle of altruism in
Party hampered the acceleration of which the state assumes moral
ratification, although, in the end, it responsibility but merely on the rational
received support from the Environmental calculations to achieve their national
Protection Agency (EPA), civil society, interests. In other words, the Paris
and also the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Agreement is a place where the interests of
at the international level, the US received a
Page 75
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
different countries are brought together community’s dependence on fossil fuels.

and united. For example, bombing mountain tops to
get coal, applying the fracking method
(drilling with high-pressure hydraulic
pumps) to extract natural gas, or drilling
offshore to get petroleum. However, these
big companies use various means and
continue to urge the government to thwart
any cooperation related to climate change
Sumber: Stevens, 2016. management.
This fact confirms the Marxist
Figure 2. Video clip in the documentary assumption that economics determines
Before the Flood where UN Secretary- politics. Government policies are nothing
General Ban Ki-Moon said the Paris but reflect the interests of big investors.
Agreement was an international Even though the democratic system
commitment to tackle climate change requires the government to serve the public
interest above all else, in reality, the
government prioritizes the interests of big
Marxist Perspective businessmen. This is partly because the big
One of the prominent scenes in the investors played a big role behind the
documentary Before the Flood is some campaign or winning the candidate for
large US corporations blatantly head of state so they demanded
discrediting climate scientists and concessions or returns. The issue of
influencing government regulation by climate change is dominated by the
lobbying political elites to safeguard their interests of large companies which emit
interests and ensure the continuity of their large amounts of carbon. These companies
businesses. The fossil fuel mining business silence public awareness of the risks of
have become the backbone of the US climate change. They do not hesitate to
economy such as ExxonMobil, Shell, sacrifice the interests of the lower classes.
Valero, Chevron, and Koch Industries Inc The reason behind it is none other than to
(25 minutes). These companies carry out protect the interests and wealth of the
high-risk and extreme production owners of capital.
processes to reap profits from the global
Page 76
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
issue today, namely the issue of climate

change (Sullivan, 2007). Yeb Sano, an
activist for the Global Catholic Climate
Movement, said that ‘Laudato Si’ is a
moral guide for the faithful in taking
further steps regarding the handling of the
climate crisis (Merlo, 2020). It shows that
Sumber: Stevens, 2016. as a religious figure, the Pope has strong
legitimacy so that he can influence
Figure 3. Video clip in the documentary followers.
Before the Flood shows how big US In simple terms, Pope Francis
corporations play a role in fighting climate through ‘Laudato Si’ pressures rich
change issues
countries to pay ecological debts to
develop countries for the massive
Constructivism perspective
exploitation they promote (Rossi, 2016, p.
Seeing the deteriorating quality of
36). While not pointing the finger at any
the natural environment and increasing
particular country or region, the Pope calls
global warming, as well as public
on all countries around the world to
confusion and distrust of the issue of
enforce legally binding regulations on
climate change, making one of the most
climate change (Rossi, 2016, p. 131). That
influential religious leaders in the world,
way, no party will be absent from the
Pope Francis stepped in to emphasize that
climate crisis management agenda. In
climate change is real and brings misery.
addition, ‘Laudato Si’ asks capitalists to
“Our common home, the earth is becoming
pay attention to all activities related to
more and more like a pile of garbage”, is
environmental sustainability by taking into
the message written in the video clip of the
account the rights of the poor so as not to
documentary Before the Flood which
add to the list of humanitarian crises
shows Pope Francis’s anger and anxiety
(Rossi, 2016: 68-69). Finally, the Pope
about the current ethical, cultural and
invites the international community to pay
spiritual crisis of the human (minute 1:22).
more attention to local policies which
Therefore, the Pope issued an encyclical or
emphasize the value of harmony and
written message entitled ‘Laudato Si’ or
“Praise to You” which discusses a crucial
Page 77
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
sustainability in coexistence with nature commercial fishing gear which can

(Rossi, 2016, p. 108). damage marine ecosystems
The issue of climate change is (Kongprasertamorn, 2007, p. 7).
often discussed, but no solution is Likewise, Indonesia has a variety
considered effective in solving this of local wisdom related to environmental
problem. Management and protection of protection. In Aceh, village communities
nature in an integrated, consistent, and still preserve the tradition of ‘rumoh
sustainable manner through the values of Aceh’, which is to build houses with
local wisdom and culture can be said to be environmental insight and traditional
quite effective in suppressing the rate of values without destroying nature or
climate change. Moreover, local culture is disturbing animal habitats. Furthermore, in
the result of community social interactions Papua, the community holds the principle
that form a shared view of life and identity of ‘te aro neweak lako’ which means
(Stavins and Michaelowa, 2015, p. 1038). “nature is me.” The local people believe in
There are lots of environmental Mount Grasberg and Erstberg like a
conservation practices based on local mama’s head, and the land is half of the
culture. For example, followers of human soul. Therefore, the people of
Shintoism in Japan believe that all things, Papua are very concerned about
whether living or dead, are inhabited by environmental ethics. Lastly, the Baduy
Gods or Kami (Breen and Teeuwen, 2013, community until now has always been
p. 32). Therefore, humans have a moral practicing natural conservation methods by
responsibility to take care of everything on referring to the three-region division
earth. In India, the people of West Bengal system, namely reuma (settlement), heuma
highly venerate the sacred forest (Sen, (arable land), and Leuweung kolot (old
2018, p. 320). In short, the sacred forest is forest). Thus, the life of the present does
the traditional way of Indian society in not have to sacrifice the lives of future
conserving biodiversity, the more generations.
sustainable the sacred forest, the gods will This crucial role of religion,
keep them away from harm. In Tambon culture, tradition, and customary norms
Bangkhunsai, Thailand, for generations, has attracted the attention of the
shellfish fisherman prefer to use fishing constructivist perspective of IR, which
gear that they build themselves rather than views that non-material factors are more
Page 78
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
important than material factors in Figure 4. Video clip in the documentary

explaining the phenomenon of Before the Flood showing Pope Francis’
international relations. The role of religion, encyclical entitled ‘Laudato Si’
as indicated by Pope Francis’ written

message regarding the need for all parties
Conclusion
to support regulations on climate change,
is a non-material factor that can encourage IRT as one of the core courses of
international actors to comply with global IR does not only require students to master
climate change norms. In contrast to the basic assumptions of each theoretical
realists, institutionalists, and Marxists who tradition. The more important is how
emphasize material factors, constructivism students can apply this theoretical
believes that the solution to overcome the understanding into case studies. In other
impacts of climate change is to return to words, the most crucial learning
local wisdom or local geniuses. Instead of achievement of the IRT course is being
going through high-level political able to analyze international phenomena
mechanisms that often end up deadlocked using the theoretical framework that has
and full of friction, the international been studied. To achieve this competence,
community needs to raise local wisdom to learning strategies using audio-visual
the global level to make the world aware media such as short videos, fiction films,
that nature is not a separate entity from us. and documentaries are crucial. In addition
to reducing the level of abstraction of a
theoretical idea, movie screening also
reduces student boredom when studying in
class.
This study examines the

documentary film Before the Flood, which
focuses on global environmental issues.
By applying four approaches in the study
of IR, namely realism, institutionalism,
Sumber: Stevens, 2016. Marxism, and constructivism, this paper
concludes that the documentary film
Before the Flood is very relevant to be
Page 79
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
used as a medium of learning for IRT

courses for several reasons. First, this film
represents four main approaches to the
study of IR, namely realism,
institutionalism, Marxism, and
constructivism. By watching this film,
students will be able to understand how
each perspective interprets international
relations. Second, in contrast to fiction
films which tend to highlight the dramatic
side rather than substance, this film reveals
a lot of empirical evidence about the
effects of climate change that may have
been overlooked by IR students and
researchers. In addition, this film also
shows how foreign policies, especially
great power foreign policy, address the
issue of climate change. Third, this film
focuses on global environmental issues
which have become one of the non-
traditional security issues of the 21st
century. Watching this film can increase
students’ awareness that climate change is
a real threat to human survival in the
future.
Page 80
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
References Buzan, B. (1991). New Patterns of Global

Security in the Twenty-First Century.
Adger, N (2010). Climate Change, Human International Affairs, 67(3), 431–51.
Well-Being and Insecurity. New
Carrk, T. (2011). The Koch Brothers.
Political Economy, 15(2), 275-292.
https://www.americanprogressaction.
Australian Department of Defence (2016). org/issues/economy/reports/2011/04/
Defence White Paper. 04/9399/the-koch-brothers/.
https://defence.gov.au/WhitePaper/Do
Chen, H., and Schmidt, J. (2017). Why the
cs/2016-Defence-White-Paper.pdf.
Paris Agreement is Good for the
Barnett, J., and Adger, N. (2007). Climate United States.
Change, Human Security and Violent https://www.nrdc.org/experts/han-
Conflict. Political Geography, 26(6), chen/why-paris-agreement-good-
639-655. united-states.
BBC Indonesia. (2016). Parlemen China Climate Reality Project (2017). So you saw
Ratifikasi Traktat Iklim Paris. an inconvenient sequel: Truth to
http://www.bbc.com/indonesia/dunia/2 power. Here’s what to do next.
016/09/160902_dunia_iklim_cina_ratif https://www.climaterealityproject.org/
ikasi. blog/so-you-saw-inconvenient-
sequel-truth-power-what-do-next.
Breen, J., and Teeuwen, M. (2013). Shinto
in History: Ways of the Kami. CNA Military Advisory Board (2014).
London: Routledge. National Security and the
Accelerating Risks of Climate
Brown, S. (1989). The Number of Factors
Change.
in Security Returns. The Journal of
https://www.cna.org/mab/reports.
Finance, 44(5), 1247-1262.
Desch, M. (1998). Soldiers, States, and
Brunnée, J., and Streck, C. (2013). The
Structures: The End of the Cold War
UNFCCC as a Negotiation Forum:
and Weakening U.S. Civilian Control.
Towards Common but More
Armed Forces and Society, 24(3),
Differentiated Responsibilities.
389-405.
Climate Policy, 13(5), 589-607.
Page 81
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
Elman, C., and Elman, M.F. (2003). IPCC (2020). Climate Change 2014:
Progress in International Relations Impacts, Adaptation, and
Theory: Appraising the Field. Vulnerability.
Cambridge: MIT Press. https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploa
ds/2018/02/WGIIAR5-
Engert, S., and Spencer, A. (2009).
FrontMatterA_FINAL.pdf.
International Relations at the Movies:
Teaching and Learning about Jianging, Z. (2015). National Assessment
International Politics through Film. Report on Risk Management and
Perspectives: Review of International Adaptation of Climate Extremes and
Affairs, 17(1), 83-103. Disasters Released.
http://www.cma.gov.cn/en2014/news/
Finnemore, M., and Sikkink, K. (2001).
News/201503/t20150316_276750.ht
Taking Stock: The Constructivist
ml.
Research Program in International
Relations and Comparative Politics. Kabadayi, L. (2012). The Role of Short
Annual Review of Political Science, 4, Film in Education. Procedia - Social
391-416. and Behavioral Sciences, 47, 316-
320.
Forbes (2019). Koch Industries.
https://www.forbes.com/companies/k Katzenstein, P. (1996). The Culture of
och- National Security: Norms and
industries/#329bb21a74ce”United. Identity in World Politics. New York:
Columbia University Press.
Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of
Society. Berkeley: University of Keohane, R. (1984). After Hegemony:
Calfiornia Press. Cooperation and Discord in the
World Political Economy. New
Homer-Dixon, T.F. (1999). Environment,
Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Scarcity, and Violence. New Jersey:
Princeton University Press. Kongprasertamorn, K. (2007).
Environmental Protection and
Imber, M., and Vogler, J. (1995). The
Community Development : The Clam
Environment and International
Farmers in Tambon Bangkhunsai.”
Relations. New York: Routledge.
Page 82
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
Manusya: Journal of Humanities, climate-movement-cry-of-earth-cry-

10(1), 1-10. of-poor.html.
Kuzma, L., and Haney, P. (2001). Morgenthau, H. (1948). Politics among

And…action! Using Film to Learn Nations: The Struggle for Power and
about Foreign Policy. International Peace. New York: A.A. Knopf.
Studies Perspectives, 2(1), 33-50.
O’Neill, K. (2009). The Environment and
Legro, J., and Moravcsik, A. (1999). Is International Relations. Cambridge:
Anybody Still a Realist ?” Cambridge University Press.
International Security, 24(2), 5-55.
Paterson, M., and Grubb, M. (1992). The
Lestari, S.D. (2019). Rasionalitas China International Politics of Climate
Meratifikasi Paris Agreement pada Change. International Affairs, 68(2),
Conference of Parties di Paris Tahun 293-310.
2015. Skripsi. Universitas
Preston, D., and Durham, W. (1981).
Muhammadyah Malang.
Scarcity and Survival in Central
Luterbacher, U., and Sprinz, D. (2001). America. Ecological Origins of the
International Relations and Global Soccer War. Population Studies,
Climate Change. London: MIT Press. 35(2), 330-331.
Lynn-Jones, S. (1991). The Cold War and Reuters (2019). Russia Gives Definitive
After : Prospects for Peace. Approval to Paris Climate Accord.
Cambridge, MA : MIT Press. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-
climate-change-russia-
Makarov, I. (2016). Russia’s Participation
idUSKBN1W8162.
in International Environmental
Cooperation. Strategic Analysis, Rossi, P. (2016). Sull’enciclica: ‘Laudato
40(6), 536-546. Si’.” Rivista Di Filosofia, 107(1), 99-
140.
Merlo, F. (2020). The Cry of the Earth is
No Different than the Cry of the Poor. Rosyidin, M. (2020). Teori Hubungan
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/churc Internasional: Dari Perspektif Klasik
h/news/2020-02/global-catholic- Sampai Non-Barat. Depok:
Page 83
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
Rajagrafindo. 1001-1082. Cambridge: Cambridge

University Press.
Sen, U.K. (2018). Assessing the Social,
Ecological and Economic Impact on Subarkah, H.R. (2017). Analisa Alasan
Conservation Activities within Amerika Serikat Meratifikasi Paris
Human-Modified Landscapes: A Agreement. Skripsi. Universitas
Case Study in Jhargram District of Muhammadiyah Malang.
West Bengal, India. International
Sullivan, F. (2007). The Holy See. Dalam
Journal of Conservation Science,
J. Buckley (ed.), The Blackwell
9(2), 319-336.
Companion to Catholicism, 418-431.
Shishlov, I., Morel, R., and Bellassen, V. Oxford: Blackwell.
(2016). Compliance of the Parties to
Sunderland, S., Rothermel, J., and Lusk,
the Kyoto Protocol in the First
A. (2009). Making Movies Active:
Commitment Period. Climate Policy,
Lessons from Simulations. PS -
16(6), 768-782 .
Political Science and Politics, 42(3),
Simpson, A., and Kaussler, B. (2009). IR 543-547.
Teaching Reloaded: Using Films and
Swain, A. (1996). Environmental
Simulations in the Teaching of
Migration and Conflict Dynamics:
International Relations. International
Focus on Developing Regions. Third
Studies Perspectives, 10(4), 413-427.
World Quarterly, 17(5), 959-974.
Skocpol, T., and Hertel-Fernandez, A.
Swimelar, S. (2013). Visualizing
(2016). The Koch Network and
International Relations: Assessing
Republican Party Extremism.
Student Learning Through Film.
Perspectives on Politics, 14(3), 681-
International Studies Perspectives,
699.
14(1), 14-38.
Stavins, R., and Michaelowa, A. (2015).
U.S Departemen of Defense (2014).
International Cooperation:
Quadrenial Defense Review.
Agreements and Instruments. Dalam
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Special
A.I. Boncheva (ed.), Climate Change
-Reports/QDR/.
2014: Mitigation of Climate Change,
Page 84
MANDALA: Vol.5 No.1
Januari-Juni
UNFCC (2015). Paris Agreement.

https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2015/
cop21/eng/l09r01.pdf.
UNFCCC (tanpa tahun). What Is the Kyoto

Protocol?
https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol
Valeriano, B. (2013). Teaching

Introduction to International Politics
with Film. Journal of Political
Science Education, 9(1), 52-72.
Vogler, J. (1995). The Global Commons: A

Regime Analysis. New York: Wiley.
Vogler, J. (2016). Climate Change in

World Politics. New York: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Waltz, K. (1979). Theory of International

Politics. Reading, MA: Addison-
Wesley.
Waltz, K. (1990). Realist Thought and

Neorealist Theory. Journal of
International Affairs, 44(1), 21-37.
Williams, P. (2008). Security Studies: An

Introduction. New York: Routledge.
Page 85

Mandala:: One Film, Many Perspectives: Understanding The Issue of Climate Change in The Documentary Film

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mandala:: One Film, Many Perspectives: Understanding The Issue of Climate Change in The Documentary Film

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

MANDALA: Vol.5 No.

One Film, Many Perspectives:

There have been abundant literature concerning movies as a learning tool in

Riset tentang film sebagai media pembelajaran dalam studi Hubungan

Introduction (Vogler, 1995). Meanwhile, Bretherton

capabilities, especially economic and institutionalist theory believes that in the

determinism implies that the economy understanding between actors (not

issued policies indicating that countries are

no matter how big or small a country is. climate change a national

Therefore, states need to take strategic security issue

steps, such as mitigation and adaptation to

Sumber: Stevens, 2016. through multilateralism, different interests

common perception of the issue of emissions to a certain number, while non-

different countries are brought together community’s dependence on fossil fuels.

issue today, namely the issue of climate

sustainability in coexistence with nature commercial fishing gear which can

important than material factors in Figure 4. Video clip in the documentary

international relations. The role of religion, encyclical entitled ‘Laudato Si’

as indicated by Pope Francis’ written

This study examines the

used as a medium of learning for IRT

References Buzan, B. (1991). New Patterns of Global

Manusya: Journal of Humanities, climate-movement-cry-of-earth-cry-

Kuzma, L., and Haney, P. (2001). Morgenthau, H. (1948). Politics among

Rajagrafindo. 1001-1082. Cambridge: Cambridge

UNFCC (2015). Paris Agreement.

UNFCCC (tanpa tahun). What Is the Kyoto

Valeriano, B. (2013). Teaching

Vogler, J. (1995). The Global Commons: A

Vogler, J. (2016). Climate Change in

Waltz, K. (1979). Theory of International

Waltz, K. (1990). Realist Thought and

Williams, P. (2008). Security Studies: An

You might also like