Battlestar Galactica and International Relations

This book explores how Battlestar Galactica reflects and influences key themes in International Relations, blending popular culture with political analysis.

Examining a television franchise like Battlestar Galactica (BSG) has become increasingly relevant within the field of International Relations. A growing number of scholars, both within and outside the discipline, are exploring the significance of cultural artifacts—whether popular or otherwise—for understanding the phenomena that lie at the core of International Relations. This trend highlights how narratives in popular culture can influence and reflect societal norms, values, and expectations that shape political discourse and behavior.

The science fiction genre, in particular, offers a unique lens for analysis. Unlike more realistic genres, science fiction allows analysts to investigate how widely-held social expectations can constrain authors as they tackle unexplored issues. While the settings in science fiction may seem fantastical, the underlying themes often mirror recognizable elements of our own reality. Battlestar Galactica serves as a case study for Critical International Relations scholarship, presenting an opportunity to explore the connections between the fantastic and the real, and to consider what insights the series can offer about world politics and its complex structures.

The writers of Battlestar Galactica engage with significant contemporary issues in International Relations, addressing themes such as the legitimacy of military governance, the tactical implications of genocide, and the philosophical ramifications of artificial intelligence on humanity. This book compiles contributions that delve into how popular culture can normalize certain social orders, reinforcing the expectations of social behavior that underpin our political realities. It will appeal to students and scholars of international relations, popular culture, and security studies alike.