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Death Stars & Democracies: Star Wars & Fascism
From A New Hope to Andor, Star Wars has always had a political statement to make. Author Dr. Chris Kemphsall (The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracies) join Elora & Dave to talk about his book The History and Politics of Star Wars and how real world politics affected the expanded universe as well as Disney canon. We talk about real world fascism, why fascist regimes love branding, the only thing fascist leaders are good at, how Princess Leia may view revolution versus evolution, the failures of the New Republic, and what can give us hope in our own world.
Chris's Website
@chriskempshall on Instagram
@ChrisKempshall on X
I am a public historian and author who specialises both in transnational experiences of warfare and modern media representations of history; predominantly computer games and the Star Wars franchise.
I received my PhD from the University of Sussex in 2013 where my thesis examined relations between British and French soldiers during the First World War. I have taught and lectured on war, conflict, and European history at a wide assortment of universities.
I am currently the President for the International Society for First World War Studies and a Senior Research Fellow for the Centre for Army Leadership, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
I am also a series editor for the De Gruyter academic book series ‘Video Games and the Humanities‘ and a co-presenter on ‘Oh! What a Lovely Podcast‘ which explores the portrayal of the First World War in popular culture and media.
Twitter and Instagram @StarWarsMean2U
Star Wars may have the largest and most diverse fanbase in all the galaxy—but every fan has their own certain point of view. So, tune your comlinks and join Star Wars enthusiasts, Dave (an OT kid) and Elora (a PT kid), every week for an in-depth conversation with a different devotee from all walks of life across the Star Wars fandom universe. Plus, it’s just FUN to talk about Star Wars. To bring balance to the fanbase, each episode we’ll delve into our guests’ personal Star Wars fandom story, and from that point of view, we’ll celebrate the power of the Force. Strap in, ignite your passion for the galaxy far, far away, and find out: What Does Stars Wars Mean To You?
Music composed & performed by Gregory Bromfield
Copyright 2026 David H.
What Does Star Wars Mean To You? website
Mentioned in this episode:
Enjoying What Does Star Wars Mean To You?
One of our goals this year is to grow the show so that WHAT DOES STAR WARS MEAN TO YOU reaches more listeners. And that’s where we’re asking you for help. And it’s really easy. Wherever you listen to us, please hit the subscribe button. If you’re liking the show, give us a 5 star rating and review on the platform you listen to us.It really does help us get noticed by new fans.
May the force be with you
View all episodes
By David H.From A New Hope to Andor, Star Wars has always had a political statement to make. Author Dr. Chris Kemphsall (The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracies) join Elora & Dave to talk about his book The History and Politics of Star Wars and how real world politics affected the expanded universe as well as Disney canon. We talk about real world fascism, why fascist regimes love branding, the only thing fascist leaders are good at, how Princess Leia may view revolution versus evolution, the failures of the New Republic, and what can give us hope in our own world.
Chris's Website
@chriskempshall on Instagram
@ChrisKempshall on X
I am a public historian and author who specialises both in transnational experiences of warfare and modern media representations of history; predominantly computer games and the Star Wars franchise.
I received my PhD from the University of Sussex in 2013 where my thesis examined relations between British and French soldiers during the First World War. I have taught and lectured on war, conflict, and European history at a wide assortment of universities.
I am currently the President for the International Society for First World War Studies and a Senior Research Fellow for the Centre for Army Leadership, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
I am also a series editor for the De Gruyter academic book series ‘Video Games and the Humanities‘ and a co-presenter on ‘Oh! What a Lovely Podcast‘ which explores the portrayal of the First World War in popular culture and media.
Twitter and Instagram @StarWarsMean2U
Star Wars may have the largest and most diverse fanbase in all the galaxy—but every fan has their own certain point of view. So, tune your comlinks and join Star Wars enthusiasts, Dave (an OT kid) and Elora (a PT kid), every week for an in-depth conversation with a different devotee from all walks of life across the Star Wars fandom universe. Plus, it’s just FUN to talk about Star Wars. To bring balance to the fanbase, each episode we’ll delve into our guests’ personal Star Wars fandom story, and from that point of view, we’ll celebrate the power of the Force. Strap in, ignite your passion for the galaxy far, far away, and find out: What Does Stars Wars Mean To You?
Music composed & performed by Gregory Bromfield
Copyright 2026 David H.
What Does Star Wars Mean To You? website
Mentioned in this episode:
Enjoying What Does Star Wars Mean To You?
One of our goals this year is to grow the show so that WHAT DOES STAR WARS MEAN TO YOU reaches more listeners. And that’s where we’re asking you for help. And it’s really easy. Wherever you listen to us, please hit the subscribe button. If you’re liking the show, give us a 5 star rating and review on the platform you listen to us.It really does help us get noticed by new fans.
May the force be with you