Fictional Worlds, Political Realities: Theories of International Relations in the Realms of Popular Culture
Fictional stories have captured students‘ imagination for decades. Works like Lord of the Rings and Star Wars have developed a cult-like following, and these stories comment on real politics as much as they are instrumentalized by political actors. Fictional stories and international politics thus continuously intersect. This nexus is what we wish to explore.
How is the relationship between fiction and real international politics constituted? How do authors tackle politics in their fictional worlds? How can students' interest in fiction be harnessed to teach international relations? And what implications does this have for International Relations Theories? Students and academics have thought thoroughly about these questions and will present their related research in the Jena Student Conference „Fictional Worlds, Political Realities: Theories of International Relations in the Realms of Popular Culture“.
You are warmly invited to join us and explore the political themes of the beloved fictional works that inspire all of us!
Between debating the papers presented by student speakers and attending guest lectures held by distinguished scholars, you’ll have the chance to socialize with fellow students. The fictional cases that will be discussed include Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Tokyo Ghoul, Code Geass, Mass Effect, and many more. Attending guest lecturers include Prof. Thomas Honegger, a leading scholar in Tolkien Studies, and Dr. Christian Rieck from the University of Potsdam.
You can view a detailed schedule of the conference here:
https://jena.sicherheitspolitik.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Falzflyer_BSH_Jena_Conference_.pdf
If you wish to participate as a guest please register via the following link:
Registration is required to ensure adequate food provision. You will be informed of the exact venue upon the closing of the registration period. The final registration deadline is 27 April 2026.
We would be honored by your participation and look forward to celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the BSH Jena together with you!