Intergalactic Relations

By Dr. Faiz Sheikh

Based on research seminars at the University of Sussex Department of International Relations, the Intergalactic Relations podcast analyses Star Trek: The Next Generation, applying insights from sta

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FAQs about Intergalactic Relations:

How many episodes does Intergalactic Relations have?

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.

Intergalactic Relations episodes:

July 08, 2025 S1 Episode 8: Terrorist cosplay - on self-determination and pre-emptive defence
In this episode firecracker Ensign Ro goes undercover to dismantle a terrorist cell, the Maquis. She comes to see the Maquis cause as just, and the rules and legality of the Federation as oppressive. The Maquis engage in 'pre-emptive defence', and lives are on the line.
Join us for yet another prescient episode, discussing the ways in which liberalism justifies violence, and why people under its rule may abandon it. Many of the IR themes of this episode call back to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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1h 4min
February 07, 2025 S1 Episode 7: Helping distant aliens - on humanitarian intervention
In this episode we meet Worf's cheeky foster brother as he compels our protagonists to help a population that they would otherwise leave to harm under a principle of non-interference. What obligation does an advanced, space faring people have towards those they encounter?
Join us for a discussion of an eerily prescient episode, asking moral questions in 1994 that would soon be grappled with as the US and its allies intervened in Somalia, Kosovo, Iraq, and elsewhere.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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53min
December 13, 2024 S1 Episode 6: Just Stop Warp Travel - on environmental politics
Episode notes
In this episode we explore a region of the galaxy where the fabric of space is being damaged by the very method of space travel used by The Enterprise. The scientists who have made this startling discovery have to resort to direct action to force a response from otherwise sluggish political actors. A climate change episode? You bet! Still relevant 34 years after it first aired? Depressingly, probably also yes.
Join us for a discussion of International Relations, Star Trek, climate change and fossil fuels.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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55min
November 29, 2024 S1 Episode 5: Borg Alone 2, on war and identity
In this episode we unpack questions of legitimate use of force under liberalism, and perhaps how the 'other' can discover ‘our’ liberal individualism and free themselves from their oppressive power structures.
Join us for a discussion of International Relations, Star Trek, mass violence, and Cold War analogies.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Hide
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1h
November 15, 2024 S1 Episode 4: Forbidden Love
This episode we navigate sexuality and gender, 1992 style. We explore an alien society which is apparently genderless. What happens when one of them falls in love with one of the Enterprise crew? What does gender and sexuality have to do with power in society?
Join us for a discussion of International Relations, Star Trek, and the central place of gender relations in world politics.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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1h 2min
November 01, 2024 S1 Episode 3: The Liar, The Witch (Hunt), and the Spaceship
In this episode we explore the trade offs between security and liberty in the 24th Century, and its eerie parallels to similar themes during the War on Terror. With spies and enemies abound, how much is too much, in the defence of freedom?
Join us for a discussion of International Relations, Star Trek, security and rights.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Hide
...more
50min
October 18, 2024 S1 Episode 2: Techno-Communism
This episode we encounter an existential threat to the liberal individualism of our protagonists: The Borg. What makes them so terrifying? Communist-style collectivism, or the loss of individuality brought on by neoliberalism?
Join us for a discussion of International Relations, Star Trek, and the politics of the Cold War on the TV screen.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
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57min
October 04, 2024 S1 Episode 1: Human Rights and Toasters
Episode Notes:
This week we witness the tribunal to decide if the android Mr. Data is sentient, and a holder of rights, or if he is a glorified toaster, and nothing more than property.
Join us for a discussion of International Relations, Star Trek, race, and rights.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Hide
...more
46min
September 07, 2024 S1 Episode 0: What is International Relations? Why Star Trek?
In this brief episode we cover the premise and main characters of Star Trek the Next Generation, and how it intersects with the academic study of International Relations.
Hosts:
Dr. Faiz Sheikh
Dr. Sarah Bulmer
Dr. Dan Watson
Star Trek episode list for watching along:
Podcast episode 1: The Measure of a Man, S2EP9
Podcast episode 2: Q Who, S2EP16
Podcast episode 3: The Drumhead, S4EP21
Podcast episode 4: The Outcast, S5EP7
Podcast episode 5: I, Borg, S5EP23
Podcast episode 6: Force of Nature, S7EP9
Podcast episode 7: Homeward, S7EP13
Podcast episode 8: Preemptive Strike, S7EP24
Podcast episode 9: Journey's End, S7EP20
Music and effects:
Space Fanfare - Cinematic Orchestral Music (Star Trek Inspired) by humanoide9000 -- https://freesound.org/s/744049/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
RedAlert_Klaxon_STTOS_recreated.wav by zimbot -- https://freesound.org/s/178032/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Teleport Sound by Breviceps -- https://freesound.org/s/453390/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
...more
14min

FAQs about Intergalactic Relations:

How many episodes does Intergalactic Relations have?

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.