Otherworldly Politics: The International Relations of Star Trek, Game of Thrones, and Battlestar Galactica

by Stephen Benedict Dyson

To help students think critically about international relations and politics, Stephen Benedict Dyson examines the fictional but deeply political realities of three television shows: "Star Trek," "Game of Thrones," and "Battlestar Galactica. "Deeply familiar with the events, themes, characters, and plot lines of these popular shows, students can easily draw parallels from fictive worlds to contemporary international relations and political scenarios. In Dyson's experience, this engagement is frequently powerful enough to push classroom conversations out into the hallways and onto online discussion boards.

In "Otherworldly Politics," Dyson explains how these shows are plotted to offer alternative histories and future possibilities for humanity. Fascinated by politics and history, science fiction and fantasy screenwriters and showrunners suffuse their scripts with real-world ideas of empire, war, civilization, and culture, lending episodes a compelling intricacy and contemporary resonance.

Dyson argues that science fiction and fantasy television creators share a fundamental kinship with great minds in international relations. Creators like Gene Roddenberry, George R. R. Martin, and Ronald D. Moore are world-builders of no lesser creativity, Dyson argues, than theorists such as Woodrow Wilson, Kenneth Waltz, and Alexander Wendt. Each of these thinkers imagines a realm, specifies the rules of its operation, and by so doing seeks to teach us something about ourselves and how we interact with one another. A vital spur to creative thinking for scholars and an accessible introduction for students, this book will also appeal to fans of these three influential shows.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2015

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've read and enjoyed any of the Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series, Otherworldly Politics is a great introduction to international relations the way the former series is to philosophy. It lays out somewhat dry concepts using familiar cultural touchstones as a fulcrum. However, unlike Blackwell Philosophy, this book has a clearer focus and goal (rather than large broad strokes, this book takes pains to narrow its scope) making the reading experience all the more cohesive.

The title lists Star Trek, Game of Thrones and Battlestar Galactica as reference points but Game of Thrones generally dominates the discourse. Understandable I guess, since at the time this was published, it was the only show of the three that was still on the air, but that doesn't change how unbalanced it feels. The end section on Battlestar Galactica especially feels like an afterthought. At times it reads like what I imagine the outline of the book would have read like than the actual published manuscript.

Real-world comparisons to fictional characters and situations is not only instructive but rife with fun imagery, too: The Daenerys/Tony Blair composite in my head is something I'll be forever grateful for.

[silaecem · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed learning about how the paths of sci fi and international politics cross. dyson is awesome, teaches a great class too:)!

[Michaeline Perry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This type of book is really not my cup of tea... I was required to read it for a class.

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book basically reads like the typed-up notes of lectures for the writer's intro to IR course. Not bad as an intro to the field, but simplistic readings of the eponymous 3 series overlook much.

[Rodger Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potential textbook for film course.