Game of Thrones

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, in “Game of Thrones. (Courtesy of HBO)

So you might have heard that “Game of Thrones” returns for Season 7 on HBO this Sunday. Season 6 ended with insurgent Daenerys Targaryen (the Unburnt, Queen of the Andals, Khaleesi, Breaker of Chains, etc.) departing at long last for Westeros to take the Iron Throne.

Because political scientists know a thing or two about seizing power — and perhaps more important, keeping power once you have it — I asked a number of colleagues what lessons they could offer Daenerys. Below are lightly edited transcripts of their responses.

How should the Mother of Dragons seize power?

Andrew Lotz, University of Pittsburgh: The common advice about political success from throughout the Iron Kingdoms seems to be in line with Niccolò Machiavelli’s suggestions in “The Prince.” …  Seguir leyendo »