Does the Warhammer/Warhammer 40k universe have left wing or right wing political insinuations?
I love the warhammer/warhammer 40k universe. The novels, the video games, all of it, but sometimes it seems like there are unreasonable, and biased political insinuations. The confusing part is that sometimes I seem to see left wing insinuations, and other times I see right wing insinuations. Is this the the case with anyone else or am I just keeping up with politics so much that everything is becoming political?
P.S. and if it is the case what are they trying to insinuate? left wing bad, right wing bad, or just pointing out flaws in both?
I’m not 100% familiar with the Warhammer Fantasy universe, as I’m mainly a 40k player, so I can’t comment on the former. However, in 40k, there are certainly a number of political systems evident in many of the races available – they are, however, generally very extreme political leanings, as is it be expected in such a grim, violent universe. I’m not sure that they are trying to make a specific point really, but it is clear that in times of war, personal liberties often have to take a back seat, and more extreme right-wing tendencies come to the fore. I don’t think anything in the 40k universe is clear cut – more shades of gray. Anyway, here’s my view on a few of the races in the 40k universe.
Imperium of Man – Right wing in that – in an economic sense – the Imperium is run by competing institutions which seek to preserve the social order. It is also arguably an authoritarian fascist, totalitarian state – everyone is monitored, with the Inquisition and Ecclesiarchy (amongst other institutions) monitoring all citizens for any signs of treason or heresy. Although everyone worships the God-Emperor, arguably he holds little actual power, being nothing more than a figurehead. I would argue that the Imperium is a right-wing oligarchy, wherein the power lies within the hands of a privileged few. In the fluff, these would be the High Lords of Terra, who represent the various organizations which run the Imperium. It could also be argued that the Imperium is a theocracy, in that it’s based on worship of the Emperor. Whatever the actual system, the Imperium is certainly very right wing and nationalistic.
Orks – Generally speaking, Orks are anarchists, plain and simple! The Orks fight, and don’t seem to care about much else! There is little social order, and certainly very little organization.
Eldar – This is a little harder to pin down. Certainly, individual Eldar appear to have more freedom, which is to be expected as they’re arguably a more advanced and civilized race than mankind in the 40k universe. Still, the Eldar are sworn to the service of their Farseers. A benevolent dictatorship, perhaps? As for what side of the political fence they’re on, I really can’t decide… I would say they are more left-wing, in that the Eldar themselves appear to be fairly equal, and seem to be more egalitarian than other races in the 40k universe.
Tau – At first, with their policy of the “Greater Good” many could say that the Tau are a left-wing race, but I don’t believe this is truly the case. After all, with the caste system they have, clearly not all Tau are equal. Like the Eldar, I would say they are a benevolent dictatorship, with decisions being made by the Ethereals, who – supposedly – have the good of all Tau (and their allies) in mind. The hierarchical control exerted by the Ethereals seems more right-wing, than left-wing to me.
Tyranids – The hive mind… communism? But even with the hive mind, not all creatures are equal – some are more equal than others! Take the Hive Tyrants, and other “HQ” units in the game. Although, as a force, they are all focused on a single purpose, even then there is some evidence of a hierarchy.
I was tempted to talk about Chaos, but frankly Chaos is too damn chaotic to pin down to a single political system or ideology! Just look at the various Chaos Marine Traitor Legions – they vary from the despotism (Khorne’s World Eaters) to a strict theocracy (The Word Bearers).
Anyway, to answer your question – yes, there’s definitely evidence of identifiable political systems and ideologies in the Warhammer universe. As to whether the authors of the game were purposely making a point – perhaps. I certainly think the Imperium is an example of how bad things can get in a time of unending war. Whilst in the game they are the ‘good guys’, the Imperium exhibits some very unpleasant traits and is most definitely not somewhere I’d like to live! Certainly, nowhere in the 40k universe does there appear to be any true form of democracy…
Hope this has given you some food for thought!
Warhammer 40000 part 2: chipping and rust
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