In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to historian and author Chris Kempshall about how Star Wars is rooted in politics and anti-facism, and has been since the beginning.

Chris Kempshall joins us to talk about the definition of fascism and how to rebel against it. Star Wars may be fiction but there's plenty of timely lessons, especially in the recently completed show Andor. How can that help us understand what's happening in American politics? Can we practice resistance in an immersive environment like Galaxy's Edge and use it to talk about the ongoing ICE raids? Is there reason to hope? And of course we chat about Order 66.

Show Links:

Check out Chris's books "The History and Politics of Star Wars" and "The First World War In Computer Games."

The books Chris recommended are "The Empire Triumphant" by Kevin J. Wetmore and "The World According to Star Wars" by Cass R. Sunstein.

Listen to Chris's earlier appearance on the podcast in our Andor season 1 panel. Chris also joined James's panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 "Droids, AI, and Sentience."

You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!

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Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.