Why Does Baron Zemo in the MCU Oppose Super Soldiers?

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Helmut Zemo opposes super soldiers primarily due to his personal experiences and beliefs about power and responsibility. His opposition is rooted in several key points that will be explored in this article.

Personal Tragedy

Baron Zemo’s hatred for super soldiers is deeply personal. His personal tragedy has shaped his views on why super soldiers should not exist. Zemo’s family was killed during a battle involving a super-bot and a group of superhumans, leading him to question the ethics and morality of such powerful beings.

Belief in Equality

Baron Zemo believes that no one should have the power to be above others, which super soldiers inherently represent. He sees them as a threat to global stability and believes that their existence creates a hierarchy that leads to oppression and conflict. This belief is rooted in his desire for a society where everyone is treated equally, and power is distributed evenly.

Fear of Abuse of Power

Baron Zemo is also deeply concerned about the potential for abuse of power by those with superhuman abilities. He argues that individuals with superhuman abilities can easily become tyrants or be manipulated by governments or organizations. The fear of these individuals using their powers for malicious purposes is a significant factor in his opposition to super soldiers.

Ideological Opposition

Throughout his appearances, Zemo articulates a philosophical stance against the creation of super soldiers. He views it as a dangerous experiment that undermines human nature. Zemo believes that the existence of super soldiers complicates moral and ethical boundaries in warfare and conflict. He argues that these individuals can make grave ethical choices, such as becoming a cold-blooded killer, which could lead to greater conflict and suffering.

Confirmation from Vision and Dr. Erskine

When discussing the issue of super soldiers, Vision mentions a critical point: the exponential growth of enhanced individuals and the rise in potential world-ending events. This is essentially what Zemo was fighting against. Vision's words highlight the inherent dangers of superhuman strength, as it brings about greater challenges and conflicts.

"In the eight years since Mr. Stark announced himself as Iron Man, the number of known Enhanced persons has grown exponentially and during the same period the number of potentially world-ending events has risen at a commensurate rate... Our very strength invites challenge. Challenge incites conflict and conflict... breeds catastrophe."

Furthermore, Zemo's own words underscore the issue:

"The desire to become a superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideals. Anyone with that Serum is inherently on that path. [Karli] will not stop [Karli] will escalate until you kill her. Or she kills you."

And:

"The serum amplifies everything that is inside. So good becomes great. Bad becomes worse."

The Nature of Human Beings

Zemo's argument is grounded in the belief that human beings are the most easily corruptible species on Earth. The Avengers, while by definition superhuman, all needed to take responsibility for their actions. Zemo questions whether such responsibility can be guaranteed with super soldiers, especially when considering the case of John Walker.

“But there’s never been another Steve Rogers has there”

Zemo argues that Steve Rogers was an exception. He proved throughout his first appearance that he was a paragon of virtue, always standing up to do the right thing. However, Steve's ability to resist temptation and commit morally reprehensible acts is not a universal trait. Zemo points out that a person like John Walker, who is human, would be more likely to give in to his base instincts and become a threat to society.

Personal Stake in the Issue

Baron Zemo's personal stake in this issue cannot be overlooked. His family was killed during a battle involving a super-bot and a group of superhumans. This experience has deeply affected him and influences his views on the existence of super soldiers. For Zemo, the argument is not just theoretical; it is a matter of survival and justice.

"If you were him, why wouldn't you believe they shouldn't exist?"

In conclusion, Baron Zemo's opposition to super soldiers is a combination of personal trauma, a desire for equality, and a deep-seated belief that such power leads to greater conflict and suffering. His views are grounded in his experiences and the potential risks associated with the existence of super soldiers.