The International Law of Game of Thrones

Perry S. Bechky 

International Trade & Investment Law PLLC; Seattle University School of Law
August 28, 2015

Alabama Law Review Online, Vol. 67, No. 1, 2015 
Abstract:      

Game of Thrones depicts a violent and, some might say, lawless world. Few would think that world evidences much international law. Yet, this article identifies several rules of international law observable on the show and relates them to real-world international law. Observable rules include some fundaments of the law of treaties, customary norms, and (most surprisingly) at least one humanitarian peremptory norm. These rules cover a range of subjects, including sovereignty, state responsibility, jurisdiction, immunities, and human rights. The article also discusses the special legal status of the Night’s Watch, which is governed by the most important legal “text” in Game of Thrones. Finally, the article tries to have some fun.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 16

Keywords: Game of Thrones, public international law, human rights, treaties

Full text available: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2652451