THE WEALTH OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS. A SMITHIAN ANALYSIS OF THE TROUBLED FINANCIAL AND POWER RELATIONSHIPS IN GAME OF THRONES
THE WEALTH OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS. A SMITHIAN ANALYSIS OF THE TROUBLED FINANCIAL AND POWER RELATIONSHIPS IN GAME OF THRONES

Summary/Abstract: In this article, I argue that the Game of Thrones fantasy world and its economic, social and political underpinnings can be rightfully described as an instantiation of the Smithian mercantile society. A thorough examination of the structure of economic incentives as play in Westeros reveals that the seven kingdoms cannot arrive at a system of natural liberty in the absence of predictability. In a world dominated by self-interested souverains, civil wars and corruption, Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations can prove to be a resourceful companion for understanding the systemic economic and political issues portrayed by R.R. Martin in A Song of Ice and Fire book series. The Smithian reading of the Game of Thrones series can also propose remedies to the economic issues that plague Westeros and suffocate individual initiative.

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