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The Rise and Fall of the First Galactic Empire: Star Wars and Political Philosophy
What does Palpatine have to do with British philosopher Thomas Hobbes? Was the rise of the Empire a historical necessity? How much Nietzsche can you find in Anakin Skywalker? What does a theory of bureaucracy have to say about the Old Republic? And most importantly, what would Winston Churchill say about Jar-Jar Binks?
These are just a few questions of galactic importance not only for the fictional Star Wars political system, but many nonfictional ones. They shed light on virtually all human civilizations that had existed so far and hopefully on civilizations that may appear in the future of mankind. Despite the fact that all generations write their own unique histories, we can find many commonalities among them — especially the types of ruinous mistakes cleverly revealed in the Star Wars saga. The book chronicles the story of the rise and fall of the First Galactic Empire to understand its flourishing and necessary collapse. The story can be told to future generations so they can understand that even something that happened a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away may be extremely relevant to Earth’s socio-political systems.
"Why should you care about this book? For three first, because this book is consistently clever; second, it’s genuinely funny; and third, and most important, because its ideas matter. Many people have written about the philosophical themes in Star Wars, and what they might mean for its fans in the real world. But in this book, Mateusz Machaj takes a fresh approach that sets his work apart within the genre. Rather than focus, for example, on the religious themes of the Force or the moral implications of humanity’s relationship with technology, Machaj views the Star Wars saga as a parable about the dangers of political power. As he explains, each of the eight canonical films in the series adds its own insights into the nature of power and the corruption it breeds in society. When taken together, they offer a rich and fascinating narrative that weaves together ideas about commerce, social decline, politics, war, empire, and revolution." Matthew McCaffrey, University of Manchester
"Machaj takes us on a whirlwind journey through the entire Star Wars series to draw out themes and lessons that most people miss, and that are the key to the peace and prosperity of our own galaxy." Thomas E. Woods Jr., New York Times bestselling author and host of the Tom Woods Show
These are just a few questions of galactic importance not only for the fictional Star Wars political system, but many nonfictional ones. They shed light on virtually all human civilizations that had existed so far and hopefully on civilizations that may appear in the future of mankind. Despite the fact that all generations write their own unique histories, we can find many commonalities among them — especially the types of ruinous mistakes cleverly revealed in the Star Wars saga. The book chronicles the story of the rise and fall of the First Galactic Empire to understand its flourishing and necessary collapse. The story can be told to future generations so they can understand that even something that happened a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away may be extremely relevant to Earth’s socio-political systems.
"Why should you care about this book? For three first, because this book is consistently clever; second, it’s genuinely funny; and third, and most important, because its ideas matter. Many people have written about the philosophical themes in Star Wars, and what they might mean for its fans in the real world. But in this book, Mateusz Machaj takes a fresh approach that sets his work apart within the genre. Rather than focus, for example, on the religious themes of the Force or the moral implications of humanity’s relationship with technology, Machaj views the Star Wars saga as a parable about the dangers of political power. As he explains, each of the eight canonical films in the series adds its own insights into the nature of power and the corruption it breeds in society. When taken together, they offer a rich and fascinating narrative that weaves together ideas about commerce, social decline, politics, war, empire, and revolution." Matthew McCaffrey, University of Manchester
"Machaj takes us on a whirlwind journey through the entire Star Wars series to draw out themes and lessons that most people miss, and that are the key to the peace and prosperity of our own galaxy." Thomas E. Woods Jr., New York Times bestselling author and host of the Tom Woods Show
138 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 17, 2024
This book is insightful with regard to Palpatine's likely philosophy, elucidating many real views they reflect. Anakin's role under him is also given a compelling, reasonable analysis with the claim that his weaknesses actually served Palpatine by making him easier to corrupt and lead initially. He also shows very well how dictatorships come to power and function. Also, his point on how “bad guys” are still fellow human beings is a very true one. The reliance on fringe economic theories weakens it, along with sweeping claims on thin evidence for things such as the Imperial economy though, while going very overboard with claiming that the Rebels are also dangerous. His comments about the Jedi and Old Republic’s flaws though are valid, if well-worn by this point. In regards to the Force, the Light Side actually was discussed and explained by Yoda to Luke with Episode V. He seems to have overlooked this part however. As a result, his argument that Star Wars reflects anti-dualist views ends up quite weak, and the opposite seems more the case to me. For me too, the claims he makes that evil can only exist as a perversion of good is unconvincing. Though this isn't very important, I have the sense that such a view fits more with the author's own beliefs, even if it doesn't seem to reflect what the films really portray that well. Despite my criticisms, I would still recommend it as there's much of value in it.
September 12, 2022
Enjoyed this book immensely. The devotion of the Star Wars fandom to the series, and more specificically to the factions, be it the Republic, Confederacy, Rebellion, Empire, New Republic, First Order etc, is as remarkable as it can be cringy. Yet it provides for many a major form of escapism, discovery and a means to reflect on wider socio-political and cultural questions of our own world yet removed to a galaxy far far away. Here it is possible to question democracy and its inbult chaos versus the supposed order of a centralised autocracy. The equal voice of all voters versus the centralised decision making in the creation of a society fair for all.
But is it really possible to learn anything of value from Star Wars? Or is it just a silly childrens movie that makes us believe you can hear explosions and Tie fighter engines in the vacum of space? If Mateusz Machaj book does anything it demonstrates the ability of Star Wars to awaken the mind to how we must look poltical system, motivations and actions, and not just by reflecting on the characters, but on the wider galaxy aswell. It is in many ways a great introduction to real world politics for the beginnner.
Machaj focuses entirely on the films in this short book, understandable given the large content of canon literature currently present in the expanding series. But this provides a great starting point in general. For example he examples the poltical and philosophical motivations of Palpatine in the reflection of real world socio-political philosophy. He is a sith indeed, and he is technically evil, and yet his ideology is grounded in polticial thought. For instance Machaj places Palpatine among the Greek Sophists, a denier of moralism and a believer that all is attainable as you see fit, natural laws of humananity and morality are irrelevant where he can simply "make it legal" as supreme chancellor or emperor. The author also looks deeper into the famous opera scene of Episode III, discussing the famous line that "good and evil are just a point of view". In this discussion he gives specific focus to the works of Nietzsche and the nihilisitc philosophy, that morality is an irrelevant human construct holding humans back, that the ruler can justify any act to their populace and make it a just one, even the killing of the terrorist Jedi.
The book moves beyond Palpatine however and also looks at the rise of autocratic institutions as a result of overburdened demoncracies and third party players such as the Trade Federation and their blockade of Naboo and how the control and halting of economic goods more than anything can lead to war, a very real shadow looming over society in the 21st century. The Empire as a planned centralised economy is also discussed and the effects that this must have on the people of the empire, combining the topic of social personal choice in support of or in resistance to any regieme. Most people will simply beinignly follow the crowd, few are true rebels, or should that be terrorists/heros? When the majority follow surely any system is justifiable? Or is it?
Finally in the last section of the book the author looks at the other factions of Star Wars such as the Rebellion, New Republic, the Jedi. To the viewer they are presented as the ultimate hero's, the victors against a regieme of enslavement. Or are they? Did not the Jedi have their own stake in government during the Old Republic? Did not many people do terrible things in the name of the Rebellion? Are we justified not to consider the person behind the helmet? Unfortunately no such topics are ever so black and white. An excellent comparison of the medal gifting ceremony at the end of Episode IV with the famous Nazi Era Triumph of the Will movie is remarkably chilly when we consider how poltiical systems and factions use imagery of grandure and success to draw us to their truly 'just' cause. A warning of caution unto ourselves.
Overall it is a really enjoyable read, just wish the author had footnoted the academic philosophical works they had quoted/referenced but never the less an excellent must have for a Star Wars fan looking for something a little more academic to chew the brain on.
But is it really possible to learn anything of value from Star Wars? Or is it just a silly childrens movie that makes us believe you can hear explosions and Tie fighter engines in the vacum of space? If Mateusz Machaj book does anything it demonstrates the ability of Star Wars to awaken the mind to how we must look poltical system, motivations and actions, and not just by reflecting on the characters, but on the wider galaxy aswell. It is in many ways a great introduction to real world politics for the beginnner.
Machaj focuses entirely on the films in this short book, understandable given the large content of canon literature currently present in the expanding series. But this provides a great starting point in general. For example he examples the poltical and philosophical motivations of Palpatine in the reflection of real world socio-political philosophy. He is a sith indeed, and he is technically evil, and yet his ideology is grounded in polticial thought. For instance Machaj places Palpatine among the Greek Sophists, a denier of moralism and a believer that all is attainable as you see fit, natural laws of humananity and morality are irrelevant where he can simply "make it legal" as supreme chancellor or emperor. The author also looks deeper into the famous opera scene of Episode III, discussing the famous line that "good and evil are just a point of view". In this discussion he gives specific focus to the works of Nietzsche and the nihilisitc philosophy, that morality is an irrelevant human construct holding humans back, that the ruler can justify any act to their populace and make it a just one, even the killing of the terrorist Jedi.
The book moves beyond Palpatine however and also looks at the rise of autocratic institutions as a result of overburdened demoncracies and third party players such as the Trade Federation and their blockade of Naboo and how the control and halting of economic goods more than anything can lead to war, a very real shadow looming over society in the 21st century. The Empire as a planned centralised economy is also discussed and the effects that this must have on the people of the empire, combining the topic of social personal choice in support of or in resistance to any regieme. Most people will simply beinignly follow the crowd, few are true rebels, or should that be terrorists/heros? When the majority follow surely any system is justifiable? Or is it?
Finally in the last section of the book the author looks at the other factions of Star Wars such as the Rebellion, New Republic, the Jedi. To the viewer they are presented as the ultimate hero's, the victors against a regieme of enslavement. Or are they? Did not the Jedi have their own stake in government during the Old Republic? Did not many people do terrible things in the name of the Rebellion? Are we justified not to consider the person behind the helmet? Unfortunately no such topics are ever so black and white. An excellent comparison of the medal gifting ceremony at the end of Episode IV with the famous Nazi Era Triumph of the Will movie is remarkably chilly when we consider how poltiical systems and factions use imagery of grandure and success to draw us to their truly 'just' cause. A warning of caution unto ourselves.
Overall it is a really enjoyable read, just wish the author had footnoted the academic philosophical works they had quoted/referenced but never the less an excellent must have for a Star Wars fan looking for something a little more academic to chew the brain on.
May 26, 2025
As a massive fan of all things Star Wars, Machaj’s fascinating study on (primarily) the first six films of the franchise has allowed me to see the universe with much more nuance.
I wanted to further my intellectual interactions with the franchise since watching the first season of Andor, and more recently the second season as of May. Since the political depictions of life under the Galactic Empire are a lot more complex than in the original trilogy, finding such a book that has an academic breakdown the salient and not-so-easily spotted features of the films proves invaluable.
The discussion of Nietzsche’s “will to power” as well as Hegelian determinism is absolutely fitting in the context of the rise of ‘Palpatinism’ and Anakin’s subservience to him. Additionally, I find it super compelling to see how much the author has dissected from the simple blockade on the trade federation and how if goods cannot cross borders then soldiers will. And the rich discussion in general as to how political philosophies and historical references can be applied to a giant icon of pop culture? Immensely intriguing!
However, to attack one of the last points made (that is anti-dualism). I don’t really agree. For me, I view the force as a neutral mystical power that can either be used for ‘good’ or for ‘bad.’ We can note this as the story goes: Anakin spends 22 years in the Light Side and 22 years in the Dark Side. Bringing balance to the force does not mean destroying the dark, merely balancing it. This idea can be backed up if we consider the Dark Side as not simply the mysticism of force lighting and red lightsabers, but what it stands for. Greed, corruption, cruelty. These things can never be truly destroyed; they are spread wide across the galaxy and are not necessarily secluded to being a Sith. After all, what is darkness if not the absence of light? If we take the idea that the Dark Side is a perversion of the force, then how can it be that the qualities attributed to it are inverse to the Light Side but itself isn’t? Are the qualities not what creates the essence of it?
The way it is argued that no one can do bad things for badness is quite relevant if it is only applied to the perspective of that person doing bad things. For instance, the destruction of Alderaan was ‘bad’ choice and overall evil in the perspective of the galaxy as it was the genocide of an entire population. Tarkin may have seen it as a ‘good’ outcome — an increase in fearing the Empire and thus less rebellion — (the premise that the book argues from) from a bad action, but this doesn’t really follow. From an objective standpoint, blowing up one of the major political powerhouses in the galaxy is not a ‘good’ thing. Also, isn’t fear in itself ‘bad’?
We clearly see it incites galactic unrest because no one is safe if one of the most influential planets in the galaxy has just been obliterated. This propagates further rebel sentiment, antithetical to Tarkin’s and the wider Empire’s goals. Not to mention the damage it would do to the galactic economy for destroying such a rich planet.
Although there is much more that this book covers, I cannot help but applaud such an insightful venture once again into a franchise that myself and many others love. Thank you, Mr Machaj.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a fantastic study on totalitarian regimes; their rise, rule, and resignation, by using the case studies found in a galaxy far, far away.
I wanted to further my intellectual interactions with the franchise since watching the first season of Andor, and more recently the second season as of May. Since the political depictions of life under the Galactic Empire are a lot more complex than in the original trilogy, finding such a book that has an academic breakdown the salient and not-so-easily spotted features of the films proves invaluable.
The discussion of Nietzsche’s “will to power” as well as Hegelian determinism is absolutely fitting in the context of the rise of ‘Palpatinism’ and Anakin’s subservience to him. Additionally, I find it super compelling to see how much the author has dissected from the simple blockade on the trade federation and how if goods cannot cross borders then soldiers will. And the rich discussion in general as to how political philosophies and historical references can be applied to a giant icon of pop culture? Immensely intriguing!
However, to attack one of the last points made (that is anti-dualism). I don’t really agree. For me, I view the force as a neutral mystical power that can either be used for ‘good’ or for ‘bad.’ We can note this as the story goes: Anakin spends 22 years in the Light Side and 22 years in the Dark Side. Bringing balance to the force does not mean destroying the dark, merely balancing it. This idea can be backed up if we consider the Dark Side as not simply the mysticism of force lighting and red lightsabers, but what it stands for. Greed, corruption, cruelty. These things can never be truly destroyed; they are spread wide across the galaxy and are not necessarily secluded to being a Sith. After all, what is darkness if not the absence of light? If we take the idea that the Dark Side is a perversion of the force, then how can it be that the qualities attributed to it are inverse to the Light Side but itself isn’t? Are the qualities not what creates the essence of it?
The way it is argued that no one can do bad things for badness is quite relevant if it is only applied to the perspective of that person doing bad things. For instance, the destruction of Alderaan was ‘bad’ choice and overall evil in the perspective of the galaxy as it was the genocide of an entire population. Tarkin may have seen it as a ‘good’ outcome — an increase in fearing the Empire and thus less rebellion — (the premise that the book argues from) from a bad action, but this doesn’t really follow. From an objective standpoint, blowing up one of the major political powerhouses in the galaxy is not a ‘good’ thing. Also, isn’t fear in itself ‘bad’?
We clearly see it incites galactic unrest because no one is safe if one of the most influential planets in the galaxy has just been obliterated. This propagates further rebel sentiment, antithetical to Tarkin’s and the wider Empire’s goals. Not to mention the damage it would do to the galactic economy for destroying such a rich planet.
Although there is much more that this book covers, I cannot help but applaud such an insightful venture once again into a franchise that myself and many others love. Thank you, Mr Machaj.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a fantastic study on totalitarian regimes; their rise, rule, and resignation, by using the case studies found in a galaxy far, far away.
October 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Personally, I am in my third year of my Political Science bachelor's degree so I definitely have the theoretical basis, but you do not need it to understand and enjoy this book. Machaj does a great job at explaining everything in a humorous and engaging way, and whenever he does introduce political theorists he explains the ideas so well that I always felt that even when I had not studied them in a while I was not lost.
The contents are really interesting too and filled with recommendations for shows and books for additional reading/watching. I can recommend this to anyone who wants to get into political science from their interest in Star Wars, or get into Star Wars through their interest in political science (which was me). It makes sense to have watched the first six movies, but personally, I had only watched the prequels (shame on me, I know) and still felt taken along pretty well, especially since I had some basic ideas of the happenings in the original trilogy.
A great read!!
The contents are really interesting too and filled with recommendations for shows and books for additional reading/watching. I can recommend this to anyone who wants to get into political science from their interest in Star Wars, or get into Star Wars through their interest in political science (which was me). It makes sense to have watched the first six movies, but personally, I had only watched the prequels (shame on me, I know) and still felt taken along pretty well, especially since I had some basic ideas of the happenings in the original trilogy.
A great read!!
May 8, 2020
Skinny tome, but nice feel for the Power and Legacy of Star Wars, and a 3 star book dragged up by a rocking 5 star end sequence of well written and documented pieces.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews