The Frontier Politics of The Mandalorian : A Space Western in a Time of Artemis, SpaceX, and Blue Origin

This paper explores the reoccurring symbiotic relationship between fictional television shows and real-life politics, by examining Star Wars: The Mandalorian and its place during the current era of space policy. In particular, this paper argues that The Mandalorian has helped to recapture the public’s interest in outer space through its embrace of classic Western themes. The Western tropes and themes embedded within the stories of The Mandalorian are much more explicit than previous Star Wars entries, and thus, help to explain not just its popularity amongst its fans but also its ability to permeate political culture as well. Specifically, the return of outer space being depicted as a frontier that has much in common with classic Western movies has helped to activate the recent greater public interest in outer space as well as generate important questions in the public discourse around the future of space. For example, who will govern this new space frontier as governments increasingly rely on private companies? Moreover, who and/or what will space be for in the years to come? Will space be for everyone or just outlaw billionaires who see space as a wild West for their enjoyment and enrichment? This paper will explore how these themes and questions are raised in The Mandalorian and in what ways they mirror the ongoing discourse in American space policy.