The Politics of the Imperium Explained | Dune Lore

An examination of the structure of government in the Imperium of Dune and how it influences the politics therein. Set in the distant future amidst a sprawling interstellar society, Frank Herbert’s Dune delves into the complex political landscape of mankind’s long standing Imperium, whose government is arranged in a tiered system. Spoiler warning if you are unfamiliar with Frank Herbert’s Dune Saga.
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Art Credits
(if I missed your credit or miscredited a photo please let me know via email at [e-mail])
Several images sourced from the Dune RPG Game (Adventures in the Imperium) modiphius.net/pages/discover-dune-roleplaying-game
Children of Dune Art by Marc Simonetti art.marcsimonetti.com/
Heighliner Art by Alex Jay Brady - Check out Alex Jay Brady’s Instagram!
Engineer Art by Eren Arik www.artstation.com/erenarik
Heighliners by Julian Faylona www.deviantart.com/julian-fay...
Spacing Guild Navigator Art by Marc Simonetti art.marcsimonetti.com/
Spacing Guild Art by Alexandre Gianfreda www.artstation.com/alexandreg...
Music Credits:
Background Music: Nomyn Elsewhere
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Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5VbsC...
Facebook: / nomynmusic
Intro Track Name: "Watching The Clouds" Music By: LAKEY INSPIRED @ / lakeyinspired
Official "LAKEY INSPIRED" KZbin Channel HERE - / @lakeyinspired
License for commercial use: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported "Share Alike" (CC BY-SA 3.0) License.
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
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Use of any copyrighted material in this video qualifies as fair use.

[@NerdCookies]

Thank you for watching this video! If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/nerdcookies

[@CrazyNights1015]

With every update I realize just how deep the dune series actually is

[@Davepool-hs7vr]

Same with me

[@Steven-dt5nu]

So much to it! Thousands of years to play in.

[@wattsnottaken1]

My new obsession. Can’t wait for Part 2 I have never been this excited about movies! Sad that Oscar Isaac won’t be in part 2 😭 RIP Duke Leto

[@wattsnottaken1]

So deep I Almost drown everyday I’m obsessed with Dune I can’t help it

[@martinainscough9226]

“Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic.” ― Frank Herbert, Dune Cheers.

[@snoo333]

this ended too soon. I hope you do a longer version. love the photos , art and music. the voice is a must. thank you

[@wolfbane7497]

Thanks for the cookies

[@brianrunyon266]

Excellent study on Dune's politics. Thanks for this cookiee, after my morning doughnuts and coffee.

[@BGVassil]

Holy shit imagine a GameOfThrones like series set in Dune universe. That would be sick!!!

[@craigsisco1894]

Targaryens and Lannisters would be like Bene Gesserit, accessing their incestual memories 😮

[@msgtpauldfreed]

Paul Atreides made it painfully clear to the Spacing Guild he was ready to destroy all spice production on Arrakis, and even the capability to restart it. That one dreadful threat ended the rule of the Padisha Emperor more so than anything else being discussed. The Guild representatives would have killed the Emperor on the spot if he tried to call Paul on what he might have considered a bluff. They couldn't risk it. The spice must flow...

[@MichaelAussie05]

I really enjoy these deep looks into the lore of Dune thanks Elaine for a informative and entertaining video. Cheers.

[@NerdCookies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@smoore6461]

Another fantastic video!! Very well explained!

[@shaneashby5890]

All I know is I can’t wait for Dune 2. This will be epic!

[@eclatshwartzbaumcybertune2063]

These videos help me mentally

[@craigsisco1894]

Nerd Cookies, thank you for your videos, editing, and efforts. I feel the energy and passion you bring for the source material like a kindred light in the dark.

[@NerdCookies]

Wow, thank you!

[@KushDaddy333]

I just found your channel @Nerd Cookies. ❤ I'm thrilled to find so much info on my favorite series of books, Dune! I very much enjoy your style and obvious intelligence. Thank you from your newest subscriber!

[@NerdCookies]

Welcome aboard!!!

[@Jared_Wignall]

I always enjoy these Dune videos Elaine, keep up the great work and have a great weekend. Take care!

[@danelamoreaux4166]

Love the channel, content and,host. Awesome video to you and your team.

[@beezelbuzzel]

I initially thought this was a 40K video. This is great still.

[@briantrafford8501]

An excellent summation as usual. Thank you. I understand why Herbert never delved too deeply into the exact functioning of the Landsraad, so we are left largely with speculation. I have also noted the near total absence of a secret police force (either Imperial or great house operated), something one might expect in such a society. Any thoughts you might have would be appreciated.

[@sectorgovernor]

Brian Herbert in the House novels shows a bit of Landsraad. Also, these books suggests the Harkonnen rule on Giedi Prime was a totalitarian dictatorship with lot of informers amongst the citizens

[@anthonymartell9880]

It could be argued that the Sardaukar serve that function as both elite bodyguard/ secret police to the Emperors of House Corrino . They are all trained as assassins as well as soldiers and since they were able to take the appearance of soldiers of different Great Houses in Dune, would it really be that much of a stretch to say that a number of them are stationed throughout many of the other Houses (Great & Minor) and other organizations ?

[@MrDavidSalamon]

This video was very helpful! Thank you!

[@81leesmith]

Very cool and refreshing video building up the world of the sequel movie =)

[@GholaMuadDib]

Great video. As far as the power structure, I love that in the future mankind has done away with democracy and gone back to feudal lords. Went from guns back to sword combat. Makes for a great universe for characters to struggle in. It also seems like everything sci-fi warns us about, has been done to the max in Dune.

[@billthevillageidiot4069]

could now do with a spice beer , the Arrakeen pan galactic gargle blaster , to take all that in ;) lol :)

[@carolynallisee2463]

The Empire in Dune with its Fau Freluches system is based on the Medieval European Feudal system. Herbert summed up the Fau Freluches as 'A place for everyone, and everyone in their place'. It was much the same when the Normans conquered Britain, even to the countrywide survey and documentation that we now call the 'Domesday Book' ( yes, that is how it was spelled). If you think about it, a feudal system might be the only way to govern even something like a galaxy. Having a ruling family govern a planet makes sense, and even more so if the solar system the planet is in also has more than one habitable planet, and some habitable moons, too.

[@craigsisco1894]

Just don’t end up on the bottom of that political system…

[@shanenolan5625]

Thanks Elaine

[@shanenolan5625]

The spice must flow . In fairness, it's not just the guild. The majority of the population require spice, or they will die, especially those addicted. All the power groups require it . The rest would lose half their lifespan. Although it sounds like their are people who live without in remote isolated places.

[@Tancred73]

Yes.. and somehow all these billions of addicts allow a few million desert people to take over the universe, and transform the only spice planet into a not-spice planet..

[@wk8219]

Thanks, great as always. 😊

[@michaelpipkin9942]

"Spoiler Warning" haha! Darlin, you don't spoil anything. Without your videos, I was lost.

[@paulhunter6742]

The three tiers of Imperium can be compared current systems in USA and European countries. The excutive (ie President or Prime Minister) The Senatorial( Congress, House of Reps or Parliament) and Judicial (Supreme Courts). The polical parties and lobbiest are like Bene Gessirett or Spacing Guild manipulates behind the scenes

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Nice video

[@renuvatio9986]

Another excellent video I always look forward for a new installment. I love how the spacing guild is really in charge of the empire without them they couldn't travel anywhere not like they have light travel or better also I wish they gave a better breakdown of the Holtzman engine. Did you ever do any video's on the Foundation book / tv series I also love your Battlestar Galactica series. Keep up they outstanding breakdowns

[@definitelynotRoberto]

This is all fine and well, the problem is that the cinematic depiction of Dune paints what I call a "lonely universe." There is rarely more than a handful of people in a scene. Very few on screen characters have names, lines, or any relevance to the scene other than adding the presence of a stage prop. We're dumped into this vast and potentially complex universe and barely ever scratch the surface. We never see these other houses. The politics. CHOAM. Hell, just a city or two with random people going about their lives. I know, i know. Dune isn't about that. But like a bouquet of roses, the baby's breath and leaves add color, texture, and beauty. Foundation does an excellent job of being focused on the two or three main characters while creating a rich tapestry of a world to get lost in. So did GoT. In certain ways, do does Star Wars. I get that these different shows have different core concepts, that's not my point. Dune has been attacked for being boring and it's true, there just isn't much to look at. There aren't many questions for the audience to ask. And the seemingly deeply "religious" nature of many of the groups or dynamics makes some of those questions feel unapproachable. I make these criticisms because i love sci fi and want more of it. We can't improve a thing without criticizing it, any i want the Dune universe to thrive.

[@Goofy-G]

No comments? This Is great!

[@theturquoisedream9244]

Breakfast time Dune Cookies!!! Yay!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@jolly3633]

In this vid, you stated that the Spacing Guild controlled communication (et al) between planets. Is messenger the only way the worlds in Dune can communicate? I guess I really never thought about that. (no interstellar walkie-talkies?!?)

[@DavidCodyPeppers.]

Frank Herbert was a visionary. With the rapid development of AI, the Dune series is a cautionary tale. If we spend as much time cultivating Human abilities as we do technology, our Species would become something truly amazing. I Love your content. Peace! \o/

[@freelancenerd4804]

Delicious nerd cookies!!!

[@Davepool-hs7vr]

Can you do a series of videos for the Dead Space video game franchise

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Must have missed this one. Cheers.

[@alexns]

the spice must flow!

[@legi0n47x]

While the spacing guild makes for an interesting piece of the complex universal order in Dune, I find it interesting that humans so advanced have not mapped the known galaxy and its movements. We can predict to the day when eclipses occur and comets return decades later. I find it interesting these practices have not been extended on a much larger scale to ensure safe travel. I am aware that there are many events that can disrupt things, just something I have pondered.

[@SpiceWyrm]

6:17 BIFAR

[@caio757]

noble houses in stock market...THIS SHIT IS DIFERENT

[@jerrysstories711]

Soooo, why does the Guild hold direct control of and limit outside access to Arrakis? Seems like the first thing they'd do, given how dependent they are on spice. If anyone complains, okay, the Guild can just strand them on their home planet.

[@adammontoya7709]

If I recall correctly, in either dune or dune messiah, a guild representative says that when their navigators look into futures where the guild takes control of the spice melange, there is a chaotic nexus point, which they cannot see beyond. This scares them, so they do not act, content in their privileged position in imperial society.

[@champisthebunny6003]

Accurate as always NC. Couple things that always kinda niggled me though. The Dune-emporer like you say, is not absolute ruler. but for the wrong reasons. The 'emperor' is not in fact, legally in charge of an 'empire' per se. His family, is just the single most powerful entity in the DU. Every Dune planets house, has absolute authority over their planetary system, not the 'emperor'. This does not mean the empower does not have a defined role, or power or influence. He has lots of that. But, he cannot 'order' anyone outside his house holdings or army in the way people seem to believe. The dreadful DV Dune we just got, didnt understand this point at all. Related to this, the DU is not politically, or even culturally regressed much like many beleive. The 'feudal' arrangement exists for a reason. It the only way to make a empire like this workable. Top down pyramidal rule, would be logistically and physically impossible. (At least until Leto the God makes it happen). This leads to a related issue. The notion of 'Great Houses' vs....not great houses. The entire structure in the DU, is identical. IoW, there are just Houses with more wealth and influence than others. The term 'great house' is just a label. It does not have a fixed, defined value. Leto and Vlad are both Siridars, (planetary governors, just like the poorest world in the imperium has a Siridar too). So, the Emperor's house, is really just the greatest...great house there is. So, Leto cant capture a legal structure called the 'Empire'. He just wants to become the new greatest great house. So, the idea that the 'emperor' has authority over all humanity, is a convenient legal fiction. Leto for his part, would happily use that fiction to replace house Corino if he could. This situation, of course, does come about in a way. The God-Emperor imposes a far more centralized, and top-down form of rule than anything any Corino would have every dreamed possible.

[@ClassicMagicMan]

The Spacing Guild having a monopoly always struck me as far too much power for one piece of humanity to have, compared to the other factions which presented a fairer balance. Though don't they lose that monopoly eventually in the series? I've only ever read the first Dune.

[@toddkes5890]

It is a monopoly, but since the Guild does not have direct control over the spice it allows others to think the Guild is not as strong. The Guild also requires lots of spice to perform their actions, so all other groups know that attempting to compete with the Guild would require a very large startup cost, and the rewards might not be worth it. The Guild also likely tries to keep their prices low enough so that other FTL systems are not used. Later on the Guild loses its monopoly due to computer-based Navigation machines, and those machines allow humanity to scatter far and wide.

[@theturquoisedream9244]

Yes, eventually a synthetic spice was developed.

[@blahanger4304]

so the duneiverse is universal or galaxtic?

[@MrHarryc727]

Opec

[@NR-rv8rz]

This beautifully deep and complex culture and power structure was utterly, utterly ignored in Villeneuve's shallow and boring Dune 1 movie. What we got instead was a boy moping about and a few battles. The more time goes by and the more I think about it, the I realise what an absolute travesty the recent Dune movie is and with the trilogy, what damage Villeneuve is doing to the brand. This could have been an introduction of the Dune universe to several new generations. Instead it's just a few hours distraction for them and to be forgotten entirely a year or so after the trilogy is complete.

[@Gabes_Game_Cave]

Frank Herbert

[@jacara1981]

I want to know what happened to Earth lol

[@tedcruz212]

I know this comment is late, but if you’re still curious, Earth in dune is still inhabited but not heavily as it functions a lot like a giant nature preserve/ holy site. It was hit by a meteor long ago but has since recovered.

[@jacara1981]

@@tedcruz212 thanks 😊

[@kronoscamron7412]

you should definitely do ASMR

[@LordHighFixxer]

Get a different voice talent. Interested in the content. Cannot listen to modern text to speech read your script.

[@NerdCookies]

It's just me reading my own script. I don't have the money to hire anybody and if I introduced a new narrator, I'd lose a significant portion of my audience that is already supporting me and subscribed here.

[@marknovak6498]

It was an intriguing world. Duke outranks a Barron I would think a Duke would have more than one Barron who would be they to defend him.