Hello!

People often ask me what are examples of shows or movies or books that just get international relations right. I might be biased, but I think some of the best are not historical or contemporary but rather speculative fiction. I want to give a shout-out to a show that I think does an excellent job in this area, and the best part is that the show is adapted from a book series that deserves the same praise.

I'm talking about sci-fi series The Expanse, which you can watch on Amazon Prime. It's based on a book series by James S.A. Corey, the pseudonym for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, who co-wrote the series that starts with the book Leviathan Wakes. The books and shows are not so much a political thriller but rather an adventurous space opera; however, the story takes place against the backdrop of meticulous and thoughtful world-building that includes some of the best-developed international (or in this case, extra-planetary) relations I've ever seen in fiction. I love the political dynamics between the humans who stayed on Earth, the ones who colonized Mars, and the ones who went even farther to roam the Asteroid Belt (i.e., Belters). They are fascinating and believable in the story.

I'll use the example of one character, Chrisjen Avasarala, an undersecretary at the United Nations (which we'll suspend our disbelief enough to believe actually runs Earth in this far-flung future world). I love that her mantra for at least most of the series is an approach best summed up as "Earth must come first." I think so many people misunderstand the role of a diplomat as someone who's looking out for the interests of the whole world (as if diplomatic work were charity work) or someone who does the same stuff as military officers or spies (just no). Characters like Avasarala remind the viewer or reader that she is there to defend the interests of Earth, the people she has a duty to represent, and not what is beneficial for those on Mars or the Belt. I consider this an important distinction.

There are parts of her role in The Expanse that don't fit at all with political or diplomatic work (*cough* torture), but I can see the editorial reasons the writers included them: it serves the plot and adds to the intrigue. (It's also been a few years since I read the book, but I believe her character is not involved in that in the book so this may have just been a production choice on the show.)

If you've read the book or seen the show, I'd love to hear if you agree with me that it's a great example of international relations done well. If not, let me know what did it better.

Until next time: happy reading and watching!

Nicole

Disclaimer: The views expressed in my newsletter or on my website are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of State or the United States.