This, in essence, was the limitation of Erik Killmonger's perspective.
Raised under Hydra's tutelage, he was no longer the rash and impulsive character portrayed in the films. He now possessed a deeper understanding of the world, new goals and beliefs, but also greater responsibilities and concerns.
While the modern world suffers from localized conflicts, the overall situation remains remarkably stable. Major powers firmly control the world order and influence global affairs. The prevailing chaos is typically internal unrest and power struggles within smaller nations—clashes between governments and rebel factions. At most, small-scale conflicts erupt between countries over border disputes. Large-scale wars involving the destruction of nations and territorial annexation have not occurred since World War II. If such a war, one capable of directly reshaping global affairs, were to break out, it would inevitably draw in all the world's major powers, pulling numerous nations from both East and West into the fray. If the situation escalated further, another world war was a distinct possibility!
It was precisely this underlying concern that prevented Erik Killmonger from ever considering—or daring to consider—the unification of Africa.
Countless lives were lost in the first two world wars. If a third were to erupt, the devastating power of today's advanced weaponry and the widespread proliferation of weapons of mass destruction would lead to casualties on an unimaginable scale.
While Wakanda held a significant technological advantage, that didn't mean other nations were powerless. Hadn't the once-formidable Hydra itself been utterly annihilated by the Allied forces?
Setting aside the terrifying threat of nuclear weapons, the sheer number and power of strategic missiles possessed by the major military powers alone would be enough to threaten Wakanda's existence. The missile arsenals of these nations were so vast that a single country launching a massive barrage could raze Wakanda to the ground. They also possessed equally formidable numbers of tactical missiles. It could be said that even without deploying a single soldier, a sustained missile bombardment could dismantle Wakanda's defenses. This was the true foundation of a great power!
While their aircraft, armor, and individual soldier combat capabilities might not match Wakanda's, they were not completely outclassed. Furthermore, their armies were vastly larger, with far more personnel and a wider variety of weaponry. In a protracted war of attrition, they could simply overwhelm Wakanda through sheer numbers.
After all, Wakanda was a small nation with a limited population. Its overall national strength lagged far behind established powers like the United States, China, and Russia. In small-scale special operations, Wakanda could leverage its advanced technology for an absolute advantage. However, in a full-scale war testing comprehensive national power, Wakanda would undoubtedly be defeated.
Therefore, Erik Killmonger had never seriously considered bringing all of Africa under Wakanda's rule because it seemed utterly impossible.
Developed nations in Europe and North America would never allow a strong, unified Africa to emerge on the world stage. They would prefer the continent to remain in perpetual chaos, allowing them to exploit the situation and profit from its instability. They absolutely did not want to see a unified Africa, as it would not only threaten their economic interests but also drastically alter the global balance of power, potentially challenging their hegemonic positions.
Chen Mo was naturally aware of Erik's concerns and the very real obstacles. Unifying Africa seemed an impossible dream to everyone else, but Chen Mo had the confidence to pull it off.
Watching the shock on Erik Killmonger's face, Chen Mo spoke with utter calmness.
"Unify Africa, completely eradicate the threat of war, and then vigorously develop agriculture and industry to solve the food problem at its root. Step by step, we will build the entire continent into a stable and prosperous nation, just like Wakanda."
"With Africa's vast territory and strengthened national power, we can then welcome our black compatriots living in difficult circumstances abroad to return home. They can participate in building a new Africa and live the happy life they deserve. At the same time, a Wakanda that commands the entire continent will be in a far better position to aid other impoverished people around the world who need help."
Influenced by Chen Mo's composed and authoritative tone, Erik Killmonger's initial shock gradually subsided. As he envisioned the future Chen Mo described, a powerful yearning stirred within him. If Africa could truly be unified, its people would be completely liberated, and his ideals would be more than half realized. With the combined strength of the entire continent, they could indeed better help people worldwide, rescuing them from war and poverty and ultimately fulfilling his dream!
The more he thought about it, the more excited Erik Killmonger became. Although he had believed unifying Africa was essentially impossible, the fact that it was Chen Mo who proposed it changed everything.
For decades, this secret organization had operated from the shadows, possessing technology rivaling Wakanda's, a formidable military, and a vast, terrifying influence. Hydra was incredibly powerful, capable of subverting the world order. And Hydra was merely a casual creation of his God. If Hydra exerted its full strength, unifying Africa might not be impossible. And that was just Hydra—who could fathom the true extent of the power wielded by God himself?
At this thought, Erik Killmonger's gaze toward Chen Mo became one of fervent intensity. In Chen Mo, he saw the hope of achieving this grand ambition!
Noticing the shift in Erik's expression, Chen Mo smiled inwardly and continued in his calm, measured voice.
"Eliminating all the warlords is only the first step."
...
Emerging from the cave, Erik Killmonger immediately summoned the leaders of Wakanda's various tribes to arrange combat missions.
Upon hearing the plan for a large-scale military operation targeting warlords across Africa, almost everyone thought their king had gone mad. They stared in disbelief at Erik Killmonger seated upon his magnificent throne.
Only W'Kabi, the leader of the Border Tribe, stood out from the rest. Upon hearing the plans for military action and expansion, his face revealed a hint of unconcealed excitement.