Understanding the Realism Paradigm of International Relations through Squid Game: A Mixed-Methods Pedagogical Innovation

Abstract Squid Game is a Netflix Korean drama series that shows viewers a deadly game that highlights the role of both human nature and structural conditions in shaping participants’ interactions. In the discipline of international relations (IR), realism is the paradigm that also emphasizes human nature and political structure. This paper analyzes whether the series helps IR students better understand realism, from classical realism to neorealism. By comparing scenes from Squid Game season 1 with realist concepts, while recognizing the inevitable oversimplification of the concepts, this study takes a mixed-methods approach to assess how exposure to the series influences students’ understanding of fourteen realism concepts, basic assumptions, and propositions of realism. The quantitative analysis involves pre- and post-survey data analyzed through paired t-tests to measure changes in understanding. Complementing the quantitative data, thematic analysis of student discussions captures the evolution of students’ perceptions before and after watching the series. This study illustrates the potential of Squid Game season 1 as an innovative teaching resource in IR education.