The Illusion of Democracy: Contradictions Between Hollywood Narratives and U.S. Foreign Policy

Abstract

This paper explores the ideological gap between Hollywood’s depiction of the United States as a rational, democratic superpower and the reality of its interventionist foreign policy. Drawing from Joseph Nye’s soft power theory and Antonio Gramsci’s notion of cultural hegemony, the study critically analyses how blockbuster films including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mission: Impossible series, Designated Survivor, and London Has Fallen construct and export an image of American moral authority, exceptionalism, and benevolent leadership. Through discourse analysis, the paper contrasts these idealized portrayals with the U.S.’s historical and ongoing record of foreign interventions, regime change, drone warfare, and military occupations, particularly in the post-9/11 era. The study also evaluates the global reception of these narratives, assessing whether international audiences internalize, challenge, or compartmentalize the cinematic image of American democracy. While Hollywood enjoys vast global popularity and dominates box offices across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, this paper argues that the international consumption of such media simultaneously reinforces and problematizes the legitimacy of U.S. geopolitical actions.

Keywords: Illusion, Democracy, Contradictions, Hollywood Narratives, U.S. Foreign Policy