From Dreamhouses to Doomsday: How Barbenheimer Showcases America’s Diplomatic Duality

July 21, 2023: the birth of Barbenheimer. This unlikely cultural phenomenon moved the world as Barbie painted the media pink with her message of empowerment and inclusivity.

July 21, 2023: the birth of Barbenheimer. This unlikely cultural phenomenon moved the world as Barbie painted the media pink with her message of empowerment and inclusivity. At the same time, Oppenheimer reignited a past that many had seemed to forget. Together, they didn’t just shatter box office records; they showcased America’s diplomatic duality, where fun and fear co-exist. Barbie and Oppenheimer generated approximately $244.5 million in their opening weekend, with Barbie earning $162 million and Oppenheimer bringing in $82.5 million (Whitten, 2023). This made it the fourth-largest domestic opening weekend in box office history (Whitten, 2023). Barbenheimer presented America’s abilities on full display, how the nation is able to project appealing, whimsical soft power (through Barbie), and its acknowledgment of destructive hard power (through Oppenheimer). This strategic contrast, highlighted by the films’ narratives and press tours, illustrates modern Track 9 diplomacy—peacemaking through information: shaping public opinion and perceptions through media, arts, film, and more (McDonald, 2012)—ultimately strengthening its global influence through a multifaceted approach to diplomacy.

Barbie represents America’s ability to project soft power through ideals of empowerment, consumer culture, and entertainment. Wrapped in a glittering, accessible, and culturally exportable package, director Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling promote inclusivity and optimism in a faithful representation of America, which is still burdened with gender inequality. The film’s press tour contributed to its global fame as it exemplified Track 9 diplomacy. Margot Robbie and the cast charmed the world as they donned glamorous outfits inspired by the film’s aesthetic in Sydney, Toronto, Seoul, Mexico City, and London (Bailey, 2023). Beyond the pink, these public appearances were not just marketing tools but diplomatic engagements. By incorporating values like gender equality and empowerment, the Barbie team displayed an idealized version of America that resonated globally. This aspect of Barbie’s cultural diplomacy is significant as it reflects a deliberate effort to counteract negative perceptions of America by acknowledging its shortcomings and giving hope for an ideal and equal country. In a world where anti-American sentiment runs rampant, and for good reason, the film’s bright, empowering message serves as a reminder of the nation’s creativity and commitment to social progress—or at least that is what they want you to believe. In reality, the film itself was a direct critique of America’s strong patriarchy, though because of its aesthetics, this message was not the main focus of mass media.

In contrast, Oppenheimer reflected America’s hard power as it reawakened its past of atomic development. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy, the film is filled with themes of destruction, guilt, and consequences. While Oppenheimer, as a film itself, is a form of cultural output, thus making it a tool of soft power, its plot contradicts this. It forced audiences to confront America’s dark past and understand the ethical complexities of power. The Oppenheimer press tour tried to capture this by focusing on historical reflection while keeping the topic “digestible” for viewers. However, this created space for criticism, as many felt the film did not properly portray the atrocity that fell upon Hiroshima (McCurry, 2024). Despite the criticism, the film was no less impactful in terms of diplomacy. By firmly acknowledging America’s role in the nuclear war, the film and the press tour exemplified Track 9 diplomacy’s capacity to address hard truths. This perceived honesty about America’s hard power legacy helps the nation project an image of self-awareness, which is crucial for maintaining credibility on the global stage today.

Together, Barbenheimer represents a paradox in American soft power. Barbie portrays a fantastic and optimistic image, whereas Oppenheimer confronts its capacity for violence, reminding the world of its hard power. This created a lot of tension, leaving viewers, especially those who watched both movies on the same day, wondering how a nation can promote itself so joyfully while having a legacy of devastation. The actors, directors, and creatives involved in Barbenheimer are directly involved in shaping these narratives as they served as cultural envoys, embodying different facets of American identity. This use of celebrities like Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy allows diplomacy to transcend political settings, reaching audiences who might be disengaged from politics. In some ways, these celebrities function as extensions of Track 9 diplomacy, using their fame and platforms to foster international dialogue in a way that traditional diplomats cannot. This shows how Track 9 diplomacy addresses multiple issue areas by allowing America to charm and unsettle simultaneously. This approach both strengthens and weakens America’s global influence, depending on the audience, while still contributing to cultural diplomacy.

In conclusion, the Barbenheimer phenomenon revealed how diplomacy operates beyond traditional political spheres. The two films showcased America’s diplomatic duality through cultural narratives, celebrity influence, and award-winning cinematography. This contrasting approach, guided by Track 9 diplomacy, allowed the U.S. to captivate audiences, reinforcing the country’s complex and multifaceted influence on the world stage. Overall, as the curtains fell on Barbenheimer, the world was left wondering: Is America a land of pink heels or mushroom clouds? The answer, as always, is both.

Julia Alma Baschieri
Julia Alma Baschieri
My name is Julia Alma Baschieri, and I am an undergraduate student studying international relations at Universitas Gadjah Mada. My academic journey has sparked a profound interest in global issues, particularly those intersecting sociocultural dynamics and contemporary challenges.