Star Wars has been known for their main theme of fighting good vs evil, however, it has also depicted the aspects of empire and conquest. Throughout the Star Wars saga, we have seen how the Galactic Empire, also under the name of The Sith or the First Order, have attempted over and over again to take control of the galaxy by instilling fear through the use of the force. One of the recent films, however, carefully illustrates what an empire is and reflects on themes seen during colonials eras. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story illustrates the aspects of empire, emphasizing on dominance and exploitation in the galaxy.

Firstly, the empire is portrayed as mighty because of its powerful weapon, the Death Star. We learn that the weapon’s main power source is from Kyber Crystals, also used to produce the lightsabers. This powerful crystal is found on the planet of Jedha where the protector Saw Gerrera has tried to avoid the exploitation of this resource from the planet. However, the Galactic Empire manages to infiltrate the planet and extract the crystal. Similarly, this is connected to exploitation during the colonial era. For example, the Spanish exploiting the silver mines of Potosi. They acquired cheap labor to exploited the Andeans just for financial gain. In Rogue One, however, it is not for financial gain, but rather to fuel the massive weapon that The Galactic Empire uses in their attempt to conquer the galaxy.

In addition, the Empire has tried to intimidate the rebels with their massive weapons, however, failed. The rebels were able to retrieve secret plans that compromised the Death Star since it provided information on its weakness that could destroy it. Similarly, during the colonial era the Spanish have tried to intimidate the Andeans, however, did not because their weapons became ineffective in the Andes. For example, their cannons were not effective to carry in the mountains and their guard dogs also became unsuccessful since the Andeans learn how to defend themselves them. Thus, during the process of any colonization, the victims always defend their lands as we have seen in this film.

Moreover, Rogue One has demonstrated the characteristics of the Empire and how it employs its power in the galaxy. However, the Galactic Empire is not successful. Furthermore, in Professor Zissos’ lectures, we learned that empire is “A notional geographic entity with flexible borders and a proclivity for expansion that places an extensive group of peoples and/or territories under a single supreme authority”. In Star Wars the Galactic Empire constantly attempts to expand their empire while implanting fear, eliminating the rebels and the light side of the force in order to rule under one authority, the dark side. However, the Galactic Empire or the dark side does not rule successfully since they do not integrate the people, instead, they obliterate them if they refuse to join. The Empire lacks characteristics that successful empires portray such as, “respect to their adversaries, integrating subject people and relying on consent than compulsion” (Zissos). The Galactic Empire’s main flaw is lacking these attributes that could potentially unify the galaxy under their rule.

The film Rogue One has created a modern projection of colonization and the means used to create an empire. Even though the Galactic Empire is determined to rule the galaxy, the rebels continue to resist and protect the galaxy. Rogue One has ultimately illustrated that resistance is key to the opposition of a persistent empire.

 

 

Works Cited:

Edwards, Gareth, director. Rogue One: a Star Wars Story. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, 2017.

O’Toole , Rachel. “Machu Picchu (1400s Inca Temple & Fortress in Today’s Peru).” 10 Jan. 2019, Irvine, University of California Irvine .

Zissos, Andrew. “Empire and Ruins.” 9 Oct. 2018, Irvine, University of California Irvine .