Preface & Contextual Note

In 2018, I obtained my MA in Creative Writing. Part of the final project for that was a piece of fiction, but the accompanying dissertation took the form of an essay entitled ‘Empires of Science Fiction.’ That essay was heavily centred on Isaac Asimov’s Foundation and Frank Herbert’s Dune, as well as a broader look at science fiction novels. In summary, the essay examined the approaches of various authors to the theme of ’empire,’ in particular looking at how empires were depicted.

The new ‘Empires of Science Fiction’ – to which this 2023 blog post marks the beginning – is both a revision and an expansion of that original essay. As well as clarifying some of the original arguments, and bringing them to a broader audience, this new project will go into further detail and cover more ground, both through newly published works and those which, for one reason or another, were overlooked by the original study.

For the sake of clarity, this introduction will begin with some definitions, and then briefly introduce each of the areas of study in this revised essay.

On the Definition of ‘Science Fiction’

Though science fiction has as many definitions as it has readers and creators, this essay will rely on a singular definition for ease of reference. The full rationale for this definition can be found at the article cited, but the definition itself is included here for ease of reference.

‘Science Fiction is that genre of fiction which extrapolates from current scientific understandings and projects them into imagined variations of the past, present, and future, through the means of a narrative lens.‘

Alex Hormann, ‘What Is Science Fiction?, At Boundary’s Edge 2023

On the Definition of ‘Empire’

A similarly loose definition of ‘Empire’ has been used in this essay. This definition has been used to deliberately include polities which may not traditionally be viewed as imperial to the lack of a single emperor, democratic system, or other debatable application of the term. No claim is made that this definition is perfect, but for the purposes of this work, it has been deemed sufficient by the author.

An Empire is any polity that has an established hierarchical structure, a heavy degree of centralised power (including a clearly defined leadership), and which exerts control over its populations through military, economic, or social means.

Original to this essay

Part One – All Roads Lead to Rome: The Fetishisation of the Imperial Past

This section will deal with the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire in science fiction. Examples cited include but are not limited to, Foundation by Isaac Asimov, Red Rising by Pierce Brown, and The Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio. Comparisons will be made between the in-universe logic behind a furtherance of Roman political methods in these works, and an exploration of the meta-narrative logic for choosing Imperial Rome as a basis for fictional societies.

Part Two – Absolute Power: God-Emperors, Faith, and the Divine Right of Kings

This section will deal with the depiction of leaders and Imperial figureheads in science fiction. Examples cited include Foundation by Isaac Asimov, Dune by Frank Herbert, Star Wars by George Lucas et al, Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio, and Warhammer 40,000 by various authors. An examination will be made of perceived legitimacy of rule, defined routes to power, and the potential necessity of a single absolute ruler. The issue of a united church and state in certain science fiction empires will also be raised.

Part Three – The Need for Greed: Expansion, Colonialism, and External Threats

This section will deal with the intrinsic link between militarism and imperialism in science fiction. Examples cited include Teixcalaan by Arkady Martine, Star Trek by Gene Rodenberry et al, The Honorverse by David Weber et al, and Warhammer 40,000 by various authors. An examination of the role of external threats in the longevity of an empire will be undertaken, and comparisons made of varying methods of military structure.

Part Four – Things Fall Apart: Stagnation, Civil War, and Collapse

This section will deal with the collapse of empires in science fictional universes, and the depiction of the immediate and long-term aftermath of such events. Examples cited include Foundation by Isaac Asimov, The Lost Stars by Jack Campbell, Space Viking by H. Beam Piper, and The Interdependency by John Scalzi. A discussion will be had of the various internal threats to an empire’s longevity, the means by which they may delay their collapse, and the potential for both slow decays and explosive collapse.

Part Five – The Empire Strikes Back: Empire as Antagonist

This section will examine the depiction of empires through a largely negative light in science fiction, and their role as an antagonist. Examples cited include The Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson, Star Wars by George Lucas et al, and Teixcalaan, by Arkady Martine. An effort will be made to place these depictions in a historical context, and an exploration of the implications of this narrative choice will be undertaken.

Part Six – To Your Scattered Polities Go: Alternatives to Empire

This section will deal with proposed alternatives to traditional imperial structures in science fiction. Examples cited include The Expanse by James S. A. Corey, Star Trek, by Gene Rodenberry et al, and The Continuance by Gareth L. Powell. An overview of these alternative governmental systems will be given, and an investigation of both their short-term impacts and long-term viability will be made.

Part Seven – The Future of Science Fictional Empires

This final section will examine past and current trends regarding the depiction of empires in science fiction and make predictions about future depictions of the topic. This section will also include closing arguments from the author.

The author reserves the right to alter this structure without prior notice. Partial bibliographies will accompany each section, and a full bibliography will be included at the end of the project.