The Politics of Mass Effect

I heap praise on one of my favorite video games of all time and discuss the politics of the setting. Topics include theories of international relations and the structure of the United Nations and the UN Security Council. Mild spoilers for the Mass Effect setting but no major plot elements or twists are discussed. 

Notes:

3:18 - Isometric refers to a video game art style that involves creating a 2D map that appears to be 3D. Baldur's Gate, the original Fallout, and            Diablo are all examples of the style. 

3:45 - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is another game on my list of all-time favorites. I'll likely discuss it at some point if I can find a                 good political angle to cover. 

5:54 - The final battle on the planet Therum and several side-quests involving lots of husks (an enemy type) are examples of no-win                             situations for snipers. 

8:56 - Discussing the setting of Mass Effect. 

18:26 - The politics of the Mass Effect universe. 

29:23 - Not to mention the Spectres. A secretive, intelligence organization that answers directly to the council. 

32:27 - In international relations terminology, humanity would be considered a revisionist state, seeking to upset the status-quo. 

34:02 - Realists call this state of affairs a "security dilemma." 

38:13 - The Rachni  

39:36 - Side Rant 

Intro and outro music: "Swim below as Leviathans" by Fireproof_Babies (featuring Ben Shewmaker) is licensed under CC BY.