REVIEW: Battlestar Galactica and International Relations

It's not Star Wars-related, but I thought some readers might be interested in my review of Battlestar Galactica and International Relations, incidentally another great sci-fi franchise that deals with political themes:

Sometimes, when scholar-fans try to analyze science fiction shows, the results are either a pompous attempt to elevate pop culture into academia or a list of obvious insights into the show. Fortunately, most of the chapters in Battlestar Galactica and International Relations (Popular Culture and World Politics) do a good job taking the show seriously and providing interesting insights.

One word of caution beforehand. This book is about "international relations" only in the broadest sense. The book includes chapters about human identity, genocide, insurgency, and religion. So don't expect an analysis of why Cylons don't set up embassies on Caprica.

Star Wars Rebels - a new hope for politics in Star Wars?

Will we be seeing more of this guy?

OK, I'm late to the party on this one, but as you've probably heard Disney and Lucasfilm have announced a new animated Star Wars series called Rebels, based in the years before Episode IV. For fans craving their Star Wars fix, this could be a godsend. However, the series also has the potential to do some interesting things with the Rebellion as well.

The Prequels were notably for introducing moral ambiguity into Star Wars politics. We saw the Old Republic as a rotted political system riddled with corruption and unable to keep the peace. To paraphrase Padmé, many applauded the death of democracy.

Where will Poli-Sci Jedi go from here?

Poli-Sci Jedi is going to go on vacation for a few weeks as final papers start rolling in. However, I have some big ideas for content over the summer. In the meantime, if you have any thoughts on potential projects, let me know in the comments section.

Executive Order 9066

As I was grading papers, I came across a reference to Executive Order 9066 regarding the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Then I remembered that Michael Kaminski's Secret History of Star Wars speculated that this might be the origin of Lucas' "Order 66." It certainly seems plausible - or at least more plausible than my theory about Order 66 originating in the massacre of Indonesian communists.

Images of Power Part III: Radical or Conservative Imagery?

Is Anakin Skywalker evil?

Our "Images of Power" mini-series uses Professor Jeffrey A. Hart's "Images of Power in Hollywood Films: The Example of Star Wars" conference paper as a springboard for discussion about the imagery of power in the Star Wars movies. Hart identifies several strains of power-based imagery throughout the Star Wars saga, most of which focus on the conflict between good versus evil. Today, we conclude with: Part III: Radical or Conservative Imagery?

Images of Power Part II: Cold War/GWOT

That's no Death Star, it's a Cold War allegory

Our "Images of Power" mini-series uses Professor Jeffrey A. Hart's "Images of Power in Hollywood Films: The Example of Star Wars" conference paper as a springboard for discussion about the imagery of power in the Star Wars movies. Hart identifies several strains of power-based imagery throughout the Star Wars saga, most of which focus on the conflict between good versus evil. Today, we continue with: Part II: The Cold War/Global War on Terrorism.

Sci-Fi and Kickstarter

Veronica Mars can do it, can't Clone Wars?

Given the surprising success a few days ago of using Kickstarter to fund a new Veronica Mars movie to the tune of $10 million, some sci-fi fans have thought about starting Kickstarter campaigns for canceled shows like Firefly and now The Clone Wars. In an interview, Joss Whedon explains why Kickstarter might not be sufficient for big-budget sci-fi films and shows.

However, Kickstarter does raise another interesting question - one relevant for this blog. Could Kickstarter be used to make filmmakers financially and politically independent of Hollywood? As I discuss in my "Images of Power" series, Hollywood is often remarkably conservative when dealing with political stories (conservative in the traditional sense rather than meaning Republican).

The Prequel Trilogy was notable in that it seemed critical of democracy and presented a morally ambiguous political atmosphere. But most major movies refuse to venture far outside the boundaries of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and West Wing - the idealistic to the cynical. In fact, one of the most prevalent criticisms of modern Hollywood is that it too often attempts to appeal to the least common denominator.

As Whedon said, Kickstarter probably won't be sufficient to fund big-budget sci-fi films anytime soon (although Veronica Mars' $2.5 million in 24 hours is not insignificant). However, for smaller, independent films, Kickstarter might help give filmmakers more creative freedom. There would might fewer concerns about offending the political sensibilities of portions of the audience.

What would that mean in practice? Who knows, but I'd enjoy finding out.

Sequel Speculation: Blast from the past

Not so secret if it's published in a book...

I've already speculated a bit about the role of political dilemmas in the upcoming Sequel Trilogy. In a new article, Michael Kaminski, author of the delightful The Secret History of Star Wars, takes a look at the evolution of George Lucas' thinking about the Sequel Trilogy since the mid-1970s. A few statements stick out for fans of politics.

First, in a 1980 interview, Lucas explicitly stated that the sequels would revolve around "the rebuilding of the Republic." This suggests that the trilogy would not only be set in the aftermath of Return of the Jedi, but also that the political struggle would take center stage. It's not clear if the story treatments Lucas wrote before the sale to Disney includes the rebuilding of the Republic as a focus. However, as EW has already noted, director JJ Abrams is not known for telling stories with a political bent. Moreover, the first of the Sequel Trilogy seems like it will take place 35-45 years after Return of the Jedi, which is probably too long after the Emperor's death for the galaxy to still be rebuilding. While nation-building is a long process, will the Galaxy Far, Far Away still be "rebuilding the Republic" after such a long time?

Images of Power Part I: The Empire (and Palpatine's wardrobe)

How the Emperor got his clothes...

Unfortunately, there isn't much scholarship about Star Wars by political scientists. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll engage with one of the brave few. Our "Images of Power" mini-series will use Professor Jeffrey A. Hart's "Images of Power in Hollywood Films: The Example of Star Wars" conference paper as a springboard for discussion about the imagery of power in the Star Wars movies. Hart identifies several strains of power-based imagery throughout the Star Wars saga, most of which focus on the conflict between good versus evil. Today, we begin with: Part I: The Empire (and Palpatine's wardrobe).

Episode Review: Clone Wars on trial

Republic v. Tano

The Clone Wars Season 5 finale, "The Wrong Jedi", is getting a lot of attention for forcing Ahsoka Tano to make a tough decision about her life. However, the episode is also notable as the first time we've seen a trial in a Star Wars story told by George Lucas himself.* It is a rare glimpse into the practice of law in a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

First, I think the most surprising aspect of the Star Wars judicial system is a clear division between Jedi and secular courts. In fact, we never really find what a Jedi trial would look like. Master Yoda only mentions that he'd prefer Ahsoka be judged according to "Jedi traditions", not "Jedi law". this would seem to suggest that the Jedi judge their own through a less formal, less legalistic process, such as arbitration or customary law.

Indonesia Part III: Was George Lucas inspired by Indonesia?

Indonesia - a source for Star Wars?

If I could ask George Lucas one question, I would ask if Indonesian history influenced the development of the Star Wars saga.

As part of the "Indonesia" series, I'll explore some of the striking similarities between modern Indonesian history and the Star Wars saga. In Part III: Did Indonesia influence Lucas?, I end by asking if it's possible that the similarities I discussed in previous posts are more than just coincidence.

Does Palpatine have to buy the clone troopers off?

Even clone troopers need a little recognition...

If you watched the latest Clone Wars episode, "The Jedi Who Knew Too Much," you can see Ahsoka climbing a statue of a clone trooper. This reminded me of memorials such as the "tomb of the unknown soldier", dedicated to the army at large rather than individuals.

However, one might think that the government wouldn't have to honor its clones, who are effectively property. The presence of the statue is an interesting indication that Palpatine's government feels it has to to at least put on a public display of honoring the clones.

The question is whether the statue is for the clones or for the public. Clones don't have families, so it's not like there are families demanding a public memorial. So, it seems like the statue is part of Palpatine's attempt to solidify the loyalty of the clones.

It's certainly an interesting time in the politics of the Republic!

Indonesia Part II: Order 66 and GESTAPU?

If I could ask George Lucas one question, I would ask if Indonesian history influenced the development of the Star Wars saga.

In part of the "Indonesia" series, I'll explore some of the striking similarities between modern Indonesian history and the Star Wars saga. In Part II: Order 66 and GESTAPU?, I continue by comparing the purge of the Jedi with the purge of Indonesian communists.

Using Google N-grams to evaluate Palpatine's many roles

Throughout the Star Wars saga, Palpatine has been a senator, chancellor, emperor, and Sith lord. So, we were curious - which one of his many political roles has gained him the most notoriety amongst Star Wars fans? Thanks the power of Google N-grams Viewer, we can observe how references to Palpatine have changed over time.

Of course, in the film version of Return of the Jedi, we only knew the character as the Emperor. As such, in books Palpatine was only referred to as "the Emperor" until the late 1980s. After Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire trilogy were published in the early 1990s, fans became more familiar with the Emperor's actual name and started to refer to him as Emperor Palpatine. 

Indonesia Part I: Palpatine or Suharto's New Order?

General Suharto - a model for Palpatine?

If I could ask George Lucas one question, I would ask if Indonesian history influenced the development of the Star Wars saga.

Over the next few weeks, I'll explore some of the striking similarities between modern Indonesian history and the Star Wars saga. In Part I: Palpatine or Suharto's New Order?, I begin by comparing the rise of the Empire with authoritarianism in Indonesia.