When we think of Wakanda, the first thing that often comes to mind is vibranium. Vibranium is the most precious metal in the Marvel Universe. It is a material that, in the canon, can be seen as being able to do anything; often attributed for Wakanda’s technological marvels, utopia-like setting and prosperity. However history shows that a monopoly of precious resources is often not enough to guarantee sovereignty or long lasting prosperity.

For enlarged picture

We believe, for Wakanda to become so advanced not just technologically but on a socio-economic level the  society needed to possess characteristics outside of their resource rich land. Thus Wakanda is exceptional not because of its resources and it’s monopoly of Vibranium but because of its leadership, its history, and the collective future it inspires us to imagine.

For enlarged picture

Wakanda’s leadership is exceptional in part due to its spiritual nature, its governance and its familial and tribal structures. Wakanda is not the only nation to exhibit the tenants of divine right, however the divine right is unique because it’s shown to effectively unite, protect and serve its people. This divine contract held by the nations’ leader the Black Panther and Bast’s avatar the Damisa-Sarki, must be upheld; if it is not such a leader can be replaced or overthrown as shown by the tradition of the challenge for Kingship and the importance of Bast’s own favor in canon. Also relevant is the cultural exchanges present in comic and MCU canon represented by the major Gods and cultural norms within Wakandan culture.

For enlarged picture

Corresponding governance thus falls under such divine leadership and is dependent on the people’s well-being. Governance is based in responsibility and accountability. This kind of leadership should espouse egalitarian norms and mitigate abuse of power. This is contradicted in some canon but overall the nature of Wakanda’s governance seems to be one that not only fosters stability but encourages constant innovation and improvement. This is particularly interesting to note, because it is not a democratic government; yet the leadership is able to commune in part through the sacrificial nature of the position with existing familial and tribal structures for the Wakandan citizens’ benefit. Even with the differences inherent among the tribes and people, the union is based in compassionate collaboration and mutual respect.

For enlarged picture

While conflict is inevitable, the union is such that the foundation remains unshaken. 

- Writing Wakanda

Another exceptional characteristic of a Wakanda is its ancient uninterrupted history having retained its sovereignty over its geography and resources within it. This is very important because we note in our history, most african nations have not been able to retain their sovereignty or experienced uninterrupted history. So for Wakanda to manage that epic feat as well as cultivate a culture of meaningful symbiosis with their environment is incredible.

That knowledge is what helped them in part to ensure their continuing survival and success when faced with internal and external conflicts. The accumulation of such vast knowledge leading to more straightforward advancement based on what they already know; which according to canon, is a lot.

For enlarged picture

Wakanda’s history is checkered with internal and external conflicts spanning most of known civilization. The unification of the country taking place somewhere around 4-6000 years ago. Issues of internal sovereignty include the role of the Black Panther within Wakandan society, changing dynasties of ruling families and the role of the tribes; externally conflicts would include establishing their borders and protecting Wakandan way of life as well as their resources.

For enlarged picture

Their success in the preservation of history, knowledge and sovereignty is in part due to the egalitarian norms present within Wakanda society. Some of the most effective tactics used by colonizers and imperialists governments are ones that separate or divide people. Wakanda’s cultural basis in meeting basic needs, communal propriety and reproductive health made them almost impenetrable, when it really mattered. The strife that normally made a group of people vulnerable is not seen to be present in Wakanda.

Finally by negotiating standards of living and equal access Wakanda and its governance decided what was most important to them. That being the continued survival of the state and continued advancement.

For enlarged picture

- Writing Wakanda

This post is continued in Part Three.