I Love When People Find This Kind Of Detail Out, Its So Cool !

I love when people find this kind of detail out, it’s so cool !

Has anyone else noticed that in Shattered 7x11 of TCW, when Rex and Ahsoka are walking to the viewport in the bridge Rex’s kama becomes transparent on his left side? How did this get past the animators and Disney, and how have I not seen anyone else talking about it? Big oopsie from Disney

Why write the next chapter to be published of your fic when you could skip ahead ten chapters and write filthy, filthy smut instead?

handsome bald man

shut the hell up, i know why Hunter got his tattoo

"oh he's so dedicated to his edgy skull motif he put it on his helmet, that's so fun-- oh. oh fuck." ~ me

Absolute masterpiece of a development 🌪️ To have such a different light shed on our protagonists and get to look at the hidden faces of the types of profile we usually root for (well at least Padmé and Bail when it comes to the Senate) is such a refreshing take.

Can’t wait for Chapter 1, this is gonna hurt and I’m so here for it !! 🔥

tagging (if your tags to the announcement post were 'to read' or similar, I'm interpreting it as you want to be informed about the first part - if not, ignore and be assured of my apologies): @canichangemyblogname, @clonehub, @ghosts-of-rishi, @fog-n-dance, @cross-d-a, @xylionet, @valun, @gnome-adjacent-vagabond, @threetinyshinies, @curiositykilledtheradiostar, @ddeck, @moss-and-marimos, @butchhansolo, @patchmates

CW: discussions of child labor, discussions of slavery (both in fictional settings)

This is a surprise and bonus chapter. As I did my final revisions, I started to add additional considerations. I thought about three extra paragraphs, but I ended up with 6,000+ words. I hope they offer something comprehensive. If you feel like it, let me know what you think. Cheers!

Navigation: Summary

In the annals of galactic history within the Star Wars universe, few periods rival the Clone Wars for its impact on the Galactic Republic and the subsequent rise of the Galactic Empire. At the heart of this epochal shift stands the clone army, created and trained on the planet Kamino to defend the Republic from the Separatist droid forces. Beyond its central role in warfare, the existence and deployment of this, by all intent and purpose, enslaved army spawns a complex web of economic dependencies and strategic advantages that extends far beyond the battlefield.

However, the source material barely (if at all) explores this complex web, a neglect this examination tries to correct. The goal is to identify and ponder how the Republic and its associated key players derive profit and power from using clone soldiers. While the story tends to center on their military efficiency and necessity, this essay focuses on their additional role as strategic assets to influence economic sectors and bolster political alliances. This leads to the pivotal yet understudied phenomenon of what I want to term the Clone-Industrial Complex as a framework for understanding the multifaceted network surrounding the production, training, deployment, and upkeep of clone soldiers. To develop this concept, I’ll draw upon interpretations based on the source material but considerably more from personal world-building rooted in speculation to delve deeper into the possible economic, political, and moral dimensions of the galaxy's reliance on cloned soldiers.

I will intentionally omit the Jedi, who, while compliant and involved in executing the Republic's strategy of fighting with clones, are not responsible for determining the laws that allow such an approach. Instead, this study focuses on the Senate's legislators who betray a central principle of the Republic by licensing slavery. The story frames this development exclusively as a necessary step in countering the Separatist’s aggression, but I’m not willing to ignore all the gains the ruling class derives from institutionalizing slavery. Yes, we all have principles, but everyone has their price. “Grub first, then ethics.”

However, the writing of Star Wars tends to be a little all over the place, confused, vague, and contradictory at times. So, before we can embark on this journey, I feel like I need to get you on board with some assumptions, observations, and conclusions I infer to explain how the Galactic Republic works. We need a foundation to erect the Clone-Industrial Complex on. Hence, to establish the Clone-Industrial Complex as an auxiliary system that sustains the primary system of the Galactic Republic, we need to understand the latter’s (possible) integral mechanisms, dynamics, and operations.

“Politics is the art of the possible.” Let’s try to narrow down the possible within the framework of the Galactic Republic.

The Star Wars prequels and the animated series "The Clone Wars" generally offer shallow criticism of the causes leading to corruption, exploitation, and power imbalances. Often, they are the manifestation of vile individuals doing vile things with vile intentions in relative isolation while omitting economic, socio-economic, and sociological dynamics in political developments. Instead, they focus on the personal actions, vices, and virtues of central figures like Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan. Tensions and conflicts are presented more as enigmatic outcomes of obscure maneuvering in the background rather than the result of complex interactions between actors or factions with interests, intentions, causes, motivations, etc. The Republic and its principles serve primarily as a backdrop for heroic actions and the perceived noble positions of key characters. While "The Clone Wars" explores some political and social issues in more detail, these explorations primarily serve as a stage for the key figures. The approach centers on how experiences affect these characters, focusing on their personal growth and struggles. Their own roles, contributions, and benefits from systematic issues are seldom addressed, indicating a significant lack of introspection, yet they often offer harsh judgments for non-allied/non-aligned characters and factions.

The one episode (Pursuit of Peace, TCW, Season 3, Episode 11) that tries to deal with class struggle centers Padmé Amidala, who acts perplexed as her maid Teckla Minnau reveals how much she and her kids struggle because of the war. Padmé then continues to use Teckla’s story as inspiration for the speech she had difficulty writing. The episode hints at Padmé’s disconnect from the economic realities those in lower social strata face; her reaction to Teckla’s plight suggests a lack of awareness about these conditions. The episode, however, is about Padmé finding a solution to her struggle with selling her agenda in the Senate, not about her role as a neglectful employer who perpetuates the very conditions she turns up her nose at when she makes it her mission to speak for the disenfranchised.

A key question that keeps bugging me as I try to understand the Republic is how the people in the story universe understand, define, and agree on the concept behind the term democracy. Which values inform it? What standards apply?

I can’t help but ask these questions because I struggle to categorize the Galactic Republic as a democracy when I apply my own standards.

Sorry, it doesn’t compute; too many aspects don’t add up.

There are too many inconsistencies and deviations from what I consider foundational for a (healthy and functional) democracy. Hence, I’m left to infer how specific elements, rules, philosophies, values, etc., shape and inform the understanding and practice of democracy within the Star Wars universe from observations in the source material.

I conclude that we can assume the following basic agreement as the generally accepted framework of democracy on a galactical level among Republic members: "We don't dictate how everyone runs their society. We consent; we don't control. Decisions that affect all members are made together. We don't invade each other—physically or ideologically."

These principles emphasize planetary autonomy, mutual respect, and collective decision-making, theoretically ensuring that all member systems retain their sovereignty and participate in governance.

This basic framework allows us to specify further approaches and limitations of democracy as understood, lived, and valued within the  Galactic Republic.

a) Scope of Democracy: This view of democracy emphasizes principles such as non-interference in internal affairs, consent rather than control, and collective decision-making that affects all members equally. This view suggests a more hands-off approach to governance, where different systems or planets maintain autonomy while collaborating on broader issues that affect them collectively. The Galactic Republic operates as a loose coalition of planets rather than a centralized government with extensive control.

b) Non-Invasive Governance: Under this framework, democracy isn't about imposing one system or ideology on others but rather respecting diversity and allowing each entity to govern itself according to its own norms, traditions, needs, and values.

Under these considerations, we can construct a complex and multifaceted approach to the concept democracy. As further explorations will reveal, it does not necessarily hold up to the scrutiny of all real-life standards and ideals of democracy (as far as I’m concerned, at least), but our current goal is not to determine how democratic the Galactic Republic is measured by real-life ideals. I’m trying to identify the parameters that apply in the universe.

Neutrally expressed, the Galactic Republic illustrates a form of governance where democratic elements are interwoven with aristocratic and meritocratic elements, creating a unique political system that accommodates the diverse cultural practices, material needs, and historical contexts of its member planets. By the conditions and goals present in the story universe, this is a reasonable approach, which indicates that accommodating the specific background of each member system is prioritized over, e.g., direct involvement of the citizens in shaping the Senate as the most powerful body of government. The latter is optional, not mandatory.

For instance, on Naboo, the officiating royal appoints certain officials based on their skills and reputation rather than through a public electoral process. This practice suggests a blend of meritocracy and aristocracy, where leadership roles are filled by individuals deemed most capable by existing leaders. Padmé Amidala's appointment by the queen underscores a system where merit, reputation, and diplomatic skills seem to play a significant role in leadership selection, instead of democratic elections. Padmé, who proofed herself as a competent and compassionate leader during her tenure as queen, is chosen to represent Naboo in the Galactic Senate. This selection method highlights the importance of individual capabilities and past performance in leadership roles, reflecting a belief that experienced and skilled leaders are best suited to handle complex political responsibilities.

In Padmé’s case, her selection likely reflects the people’s will as they are presented as content with their system and trusting of her character and skills. However, subtracting this specific actor from the operation reveals a fragile system dependent on the royal’s benevolence and judgment.

Furthermore, the Gungan population was historically unrepresented until a crisis necessitated their inclusion. This highlights systemic inequalities and the reactive rather than proactive approach to inclusivity. Hence, we observe a democratic system marked by a form of representation that could potentially exclude large segments of the population from direct legislative participation. This structure places a substantial amount of trust in a relatively small group of individuals to act in the best interests of the wider population.

Such a model holds considerable risks. It presupposes that those appointed or disproportionately represented are inherently virtuous and committed to the common good. This reliance on the hope that leaders are principled and benevolent likely leads to governance that doesn’t reflect the diverse needs and desires of all its constituents. We observe this in Pursuit of Peace, where the solution to Teckla’s struggle as an individual of the working/lower class depends on the grace and mercy of Padmé as a representative of the ruling class whose perspective is immensely limited by her upbringing in wealth and among the cultural elite.

However, as we established, citizen participation isn’t an obligational aspect of the definition of democracy in the Star Wars universe. Accommodating each system’s approach to reflecting the values and traditions of its people is the priority. In systems where appointments are customary, the legitimacy of such appointments perfectly aligns with the planet's interpretation of representative governance. If the people support this system and see it as legitimate and reflective of their values, it does not inherently conflict with democratic principles as practiced within that specific cultural context. In this sense, democracy in the Republic insists on a hyper-liberal approach to accepting and including different forms of governance in the alliance. Everyone’s valid – monarchies, aristocracies, epistocracies, theocracies, democracies, fascist technocracies (the chapter The Kaminoan Agenda will clarify and justify this claim. In my estimation, there is sufficient ground to categorize the Kaminoans as fascist technocracy.)

Nonetheless, this practice creates significant barriers to transparency and accountability as the distance between the representatives and the represented widens. A key feature of democracy in contemporary real-life settings is that the represented occasionally have the opportunity to replace the representatives on top if they suck at their job. In theory, at least, and, yes, I am painfully aware of how overemphasized the effect and power of this control mechanism is in most cases, but that’s not the topic of this exploration.

My point is that the Republic’s version of democracy does not even apply the theory of this accountability mechanism to its overarching governmental system. There is a structural absence of citizen participation in the legislature.

Additionally, the criteria for determining the number of seats per member unit are unclear. While some planets, like Naboo, have multiple seats in the Senate, other sectors, which may encompass multiple planets, share a single representative. Factors like political favoritism could skew representation and lead to inequalities among members: Naboo’s second seat may have been the subject of a vote. It gained the approval of the necessary majority of senators because everyone hoped it would earn points with the newly installed chancellor from Naboo.

Hence, the representation within the Senate itself is not uniformly distributed. This disparity in representation underscores a critical tension within the Republic’s democratic framework: although all member systems are theoretically equal, the practical allocation of political power suggests that some members wield more influence than others. Despite her strong advocacy for liberty and democracy, famously lamenting “So this is how liberty dies? With thunderous applause,” Padmé never addresses the overrepresentation of her own planet in the Senate in comparison to other members.

[Note: I want to clarify that I’m not saying how Padmé is actually responsible for all these problems. The source material is just aggressively centering her work as a politician, insisting that she is the champion of liberty and democracy. Her views, actions, behaviors, etc. are hence the most reliable source and reference in identifying and assessing the democratic ideals within the Republic. I don’t expect her to be above the limitations of her upbringing in the ruling class, the rules of the system she has to navigate and the effects of the immense responsibilities she carries. I just feel like that the source material, enhanced through audience perception, forces her into this archetypical role of the just ruler, embodying moral and ethical purity. That is certainly rooted in sexist, possibly misogynist, writing where her role as the one central female character is to balance out and fix the failures, vices, and flaws of the men in her life (her lover and husband Anakin, her mentor Palpatine), ultimately reducing her to a victim of their betrayal. Consistently highlighting Padmé’s success, her impeccable diplomacy, etc., while resisting to engage with her limitations, contributes to a one-dimensional depiction that doesn’t do the character justice.]

Additionally, I think we can assume neoliberal ideals and capitalist assumptions as the components that construct and carry the value system within the Galactic Republic and its democracy. I base this assumption on the observation that mega-corporations are integral to its political structure. CEOs or at least corporate representatives have seats in the Republic parliament. I’m emphasizing this because not even our (real-world) most neoliberal and capitalist societies and governments go this far.

[Note: Characters in Star Wars certainly wouldn’t use the meta terms neoliberal and capitalist; I use these words to describe what I see and explain the state of affairs. But integrating mega-corporations in the parliament indicates a general consent to and confidence in the concepts defining these terms as ‘good’. I can only describe this as disturbing and dystopian. This aspect is a big deal for me and the most significant reason why I can’t and won’t categorize the Galactic Republic as a democracy by my own standards and ideals.]

This narrative choice indicates a strong adherence to neoliberal ideals and capitalist principles within (the ruling class of) the Galactic Republic. The absence of critique or skepticism from characters framed as outstandingly virtuous, like Padmé Amidala or Bail Organa, implies a systemic endorsement of corporate influence in governance, reflecting a worldview where economic prosperity and market dynamics are seen as inherently good and conducive to societal well-being.

This allows the speculation (in the context of this exploration, I’ll treat it as a given) that there is an emphasis on minimal government intervention, market-driven solutions, and the belief in the efficiency of private enterprise within the framework of the Galactic Republic and its democracy. I also presume an ideological tendency to prioritize economic growth and competition that guide beneficial outcomes through self-interest, as suggested by the notion of the ‘invisible hand’.

The concept of the 'invisible hand,' as articulated by economist Adam Smith, posits that individuals acting in their own self-interest within a free market inadvertently contribute to the overall prosperity of society. This occurs through increased productivity, innovation, and resource allocation guided by supply and demand dynamics.

In the context of Star Wars, the acceptance of mega-corporations within the parliament highlights a form of governance in which economic prowess and corporate influence are integral to decision-making processes.

In the run-up to the Clone Wars, the Republic strived for de-escalation. As part of this effort, it likely sought to maintain these corporations within its political fold. This is evidenced by initiatives like the loyalty committee, where Padmé served as a member, aimed at securing allegiance and preventing secession.

There are several strategies and options for diplomatically strengthening bonds, loyalty, and cooperation, but I’m afraid we have to assume that one of the tactics includes offering concessions to the conditions of the Space Elons Musks and Jeff Bezos’ to prevent them from joining the Separatists, calling Space Boston Dynamics and ordering robots to invade and fuck up your home world. It is established that Padmé was aggressively anti-military escalation (comprehensible, given her history and the trauma of Naboo’s invasion). Under this condition agreeing tp your opponent’s demands is likely your only option, if they are less reluctant to issue military force. This probable dynamic highlights the significance of mega-corporations to the Republic’s overall stability and prosperity.

The Republic’s efforts to retain mega-corporations within its jurisdiction culminate in conflicts and conspiracies, such as attempts on Padmé Amidala’s life orchestrated by figures who feel threatened by the success of her involvement and guidance in managing the delicate relationship between Republic and Separatists. These events underscore the high stakes in maintaining economic unity and political stability within the Star Wars universe while also revealing the complexities of balancing corporate influence, political maneuvering, and ideological discord within a system that aims to be both democratic and economically strong.

Considering all the above – a hyper-liberal approach to planetary autonomy (“Everyone is valid.”), intertwined with what we call neoliberal capitalism and the ideals of the invisible hand – provides  a nuanced perspective and possible explanations that make the inner workings of the Galactic Republic appear much more consistent, robust, and consequent. However, it definitely challenges us to adjust our expectations to values and concepts like democracy, liberty, justice, etc., if we want to understand them in the in-universe context of the Galactic Republic.

By our standards, it won’t be a flattering investigation into the legal and societal norms of the Galactic Republic because, as I said I can only describe the unique blend between hyper-liberalism, substantial and structural lack of citizen participation, and neoliberal and capitalist ideals as disturbing and dystopian. For me, the Clone-Industrial Complex is just a symptom of this dystopia in disguise.

However, all of that is personal world-building rooted in my interpretative speculations. If it doesn’t apply, let it fly.

I’m going to start with a bold hypothesis: In the Star Wars prequel era, the Galactic Republic's understanding of democracy can be seen as accepting the practice of child labor.

One notable observation is Naboo’s tradition of electing young girls into the office of head of state. For example, Padmé Amidala was elected queen at 13, tasked with significant responsibilities and executive duties. This norm suggests that Naboo, and possibly the wider Republic, values youth in leadership roles, potentially extending this acceptance to other forms of labor. The role of the Queen involves high-stakes decisions, diplomacy, and executive responsibilities, in Padmé’s case, including managing crises like the Trade Federation's invasion. The danger associated with this role necessitates a group of handmaidens, also young girls, who serve as decoys, indicating an acceptance of the use of their labor, too (including life-risking aspects).

After serving as Queen, Padmé transitions to a successful senatorial career. This trajectory supports the argument that early engagement in significant roles prepares individuals for future responsibilities, aligning with a meritocratic and neoliberal view that early labor develops a highly skilled workforce.

Engaging children in work from a young age could be seen as a way to produce a well-prepared and competent workforce, maximizing individual capital from an early age. Early labor might be seen as providing children with invaluable skills, resilience, and experience, inadvertently benefiting society by creating highly capable adults.

Padmé’s fondness for her cultural traditions and practices might suggest a societal acceptance of child labor. If ruling a planet is seen as an acceptable role for a child, it is difficult to argue against other forms of labor, like working in factories. Even a champion of fairness and empathy like Padmé would face personal, political, and cultural dilemmas in opposing child labor. Challenging this practice – even the idea of it – requires confronting and challenging Naboo’s deeply ingrained traditions and laws on the constitutional level, potentially undermining practices she and her people value and respect.

Cild labor, including in leadership roles, emphasizes efficiency and productivity, which I deem present in the internal workings of the Republic’s value system.

Under this framework, it is plausible to see children engaging in labor from an early age as developing critical skills and competencies that contribute to the overall prosperity and stability of the Republic. The practice of electing young leaders on Naboo is a potential indicator for a general acceptance of children in significant roles, reflecting an ideal where abilities and potential are recognized and utilized irrespective of age. This system might aim to harness the full potential of its citizens from a young age, ensuring that talent and capability are maximized for the benefit of society. The acceptance of young leaders and, thus, child labor, is deeply embedded in the cultural traditions of planets like Naboo (or factions like the Jedi). These traditions might be respected and upheld within the broader framework of the Republic (“Everyone is valid. We don’t dictate how each of us runs their society. We don’t invade each other ideologically.”), suggesting a potential societal consensus on the value and benefits of early labor and responsibility.

Leaders like Padmé Amidala are likely to uphold the cultural practices of their home worlds. This includes the acceptance of child labor as a norm, particularly when it is framed within the context of preparing young individuals for future leadership and societal roles. The Republic’s governance involves balancing democratic ideals with practical considerations. Child labor, while unacceptable by real-world standards (in theory; in practice, it is highly dependent on whether the children are white or not), is justified within the Republic’s framework as a means to ensure efficiency, skill development, and cultural continuity.

My second bold hypothesis: Anti-slavery is a defining principle of the Galactic Republic. However, the laws of the Republic differentiate between “slavery” and “mandatory service” through specific criteria and regulations. Slavery, as seen on planets like Tatooine, involves a complete lack of freedom and choice, often enforced through extreme measures such as the threat of death. In contrast, mandatory service within the Republic is regulated to maintain fundamental rights, even if the labor is compulsory.

To put this in perspective, many countries and democracies have compulsory military service that conscripts people of a certain age and demands their time and labor for a limited period. This concept could also be integral for the armed forces of different planets and systems in the Galactic Republic. However, mandatory service does not only have to be applied to armies.

It can also cover civilian services such as nursing or childcare, which would strengthen social structures and equip young people with skills and competencies that contribute to societal harmony. Additionally, on planets with extreme climatic conditions, mandatory service could reliably organize emergency responses to protect people, the environment, and valuable material assets before or during disasters, ensuring adequate supplies and safety. This approach to mandatory service enhances societal resilience and fosters a sense of duty and community among citizens. The Galactic Republic could create the legal foundations to allow worlds to enjoy these benefits while protecting individuals. This framework would uphold the principle that each member can freely organize its population and society, ensuring that local customs and needs are respected while promoting the common good. Legal safeguards ensure that mandatory service programs are fair and equitable, and do not exploit participants, balancing the benefits of compulsory labor with the protection of individual rights. Republic members may only implement mandatory service after registration and approval by an official Republic body with the responsibility of regular audits and checks. This official Republic body only gives approval to mandatory service programs if they can state a public benefit.

What might the legal foundations look like?

Possible Key Differences Between Slavery and Mandatory Service (in Star Wars universe):

1. Freedom of Movement:

Slavery: Individuals have no freedom of movement and are physically restrained or threatened with severe punishment if they attempt to escape. For example, slaves on Tatooine have explosive devices implanted in their bodies to prevent escape.

Mandatory Service: While individuals may be required to work, they are not physically restrained in the same manner. They have the ability to move within certain boundaries and are not subjected to extreme measures to prevent escape.

2. Control Over Basic Needs:

Slavery: Slaves often cannot manage their basic needs independently. They may require permission to eat, drink, or use the bathroom and can be punished for failing to meet quotas or arbitrary rules.

Mandatory Service: Individuals under mandatory service have regulated access to their basic needs. There are specific times and conditions under which they can manage personal needs, and these are typically enforced through rules rather than absolute control.

3. Presence of Legal Protections:

Slavery: There are no legal protections for slaves. They can be bought, sold, or mistreated without legal repercussions for the owner.

Mandatory Service: Legal frameworks and regulations protect individuals' rights. Mandatory service is subject to oversight to ensure that conditions meet certain standards. Mechanisms for reporting and addressing abuses exist.

4. Options for Freedom

Slavery: Slaves have no realistic options for gaining freedom. They are bound to their situation indefinitely, with no legal or practical means of escape.

Mandatory Service: Individuals may have defined terms or conditions under which they can be released from mandatory service. There are pathways to freedom, such as completing a set duration of service or earning enough to buy their way out.

Regulations and Rules for Mandatory Service

1. Work Conditons

Regulated working hours and conditions to prevent overwork and ensure safety.

Provision of adequate food, water, and rest breaks.

2. Basic Needs

Access to basic needs such as sanitation, medical care, and personal time.

Prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

3. Oversight and Reporting:

Regular inspections by independent bodies to ensure compliance with regulations.

Mechanisms for individuals to report abuses or violations without fear of retribution.

4. Legal Recourse:

Clear legal pathways for individuals to challenge their conditions or seek release from mandatory service.

Enforcement of penalties against those who violate regulations, like fees.

Since the Republic includes corporations running and governing entire planets and systems, they also have a right to utilize mandatory service. Under a framework that puts a high emphasis on economic efficiency, corporate lawyers are likely to find arguments to present their operations as beneficial to the Republic. For instance, corporations involved in the supply chain and production of medical droids could argue that their operations are essential to public health infrastructure and, therefore, justify the use of mandatory service. Along the supply chain and production, several sectors contribute to the final product: raw material suppliers, manufacturing plants, component suppliers, research and development, logistics, etc. In this case, as long as a corporation contributes something to medical droids, they have a fair chance to get approval for a mandatory service program. If they only use this approval for their involvement in the supply chain for medical droids, it is another question. Legal definitions and interpretations can be quite flexible if cunningly argued.

The Galactic Republic's strict anti-slavery stance necessitates comprehensive control mechanisms and protocols to ensure that mandatory service does not devolve into slavery. These measures include obligatory record-keeping, regular audits, and official oversight to maintain ethical labor practices and protect individual rights.

Work conditions are regulated to ensure safe working environments, set duty hours, and mandatory provisions for adequate food, water, and rest. Workplaces must comply with health and safety standards to prevent exploitation. Additionally, individuals in mandatory service are guaranteed access to sanitation, medical care, and personal time, ensuring their well-being and preventing conditions that could be construed as inhumane or exploitative. Independent bodies regularly inspect workplaces and service environments to ensure compliance with labor standards, conducting unannounced inspections to ensure that conditions are consistently maintained.

Reporting and grievance mechanisms are in place to protect individuals from abuse. Systems for anonymous reporting allow individuals to report abuses or violations without fear of retribution, using anonymous hotlines and secure communication channels for safe reporting. Defined protocols exist for addressing grievances, ensuring that complaints are investigated promptly and thoroughly. Individuals are informed of their rights and the processes available to them.

Employers and administrators of mandatory service programs must keep detailed records of service conditions, individual assignments, duty hours, etc..

Senate aides conduct regular audits to verify compliance with legal standards and regulations. These comprehensive audits include reviews of records, inspections of working environments, and interviews with individuals.

Any violations or areas of concern are highlighted, and corrective actions are issued. Severe penalties, including fines and suspension or revocation of approvals, are imposed for non-compliance with anti-slavery laws and regulations.

With the regulated work conditions, comprehensive record-keeping, regular audits, and strict oversight, the Republic ensures that mandatory service does not devolve into slavery. These measures maintain transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual rights, upholding the Republic's core values of freedom and dignity for all sentient beings.

In theory.

Alas, the source material establishes that ineffective bureaucracy and corruption significantly contributed to the dissatisfaction of Republic members and the rise of the Separatist movement. Though intended to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment, these mechanisms of control and oversight often fail in practice due to systemic issues, leading to widespread discontent and the eventual secession of numerous systems.

The Republic's bureaucratic mechanisms are plagued by inefficiency. The sheer size and complexity of the Republic make it difficult to enforce regulations uniformly across all systems. Delays in decision-making, inadequate resources for proper oversight, and inconsistent application of laws lead to gaps in enforcement. These gaps allow for abuses and exploitation, contributing to the growing dissatisfaction among member systems. For example, the bureaucracy's inability to promptly address grievances or ensure timely audits can leave individuals in mandatory service vulnerable to mistreatment, further eroding trust in the Republic and the Senate.

Corruption within the Republic exacerbates these issues. High-ranking officials and local administrators often manipulate regulations for personal gain, undermining the integrity of the anti-slavery framework. Bribery and favoritism allow violators to escape accountability, while those who attempt to report abuses may face retaliation or find their complaints ignored. This corruption erodes confidence in the Republic's ability to protect its citizens and maintain justice, fueling futher resentment. Nonetheless, this distinction between “slavery” and “mandatory” service within the Republic provides a framework for evaluating the status of the clone troopers. While the clones are created and trained for war, the Senate can argue that their situation aligns more with mandatory service than slavery. It is controversial and a grey area, but at least Republic officials come to the conclusion that if mandatory service programs are acceptable for member systems, they’re also acceptable for the primary system. This provides us with a plausible explanation, why even Padmé Amidala and Bail Organa ultimately accept this arrangement:

In terms of freedom of movement, slaves are physically restrained or threatened with severe punishment if they attempt to escape. In contrast, clones are highly regulated and required to serve in the military, but they are not physically restrained in the same manner. They have some autonomy within the bounds of their service and can move freely within a designated scope. This is a grey area, given that deserters do face punishment if they try to escape.

Regarding control over basic needs, slaves cannot manage their basic needs independently and may require permission for fundamental activities. Clones have regulated access to basic needs such as food, medical care, and rest. Their needs are managed according to military protocols, which ensure their well-being to maintain combat readiness.

Legal protections. Slaves have no legal protections. Clones, however, operate under a military code of conduct that provides some level of protection and regulation, ensuring their treatment adheres to specific standards. This framework offers a degree of oversight and accountability. This argument, however, is fragile and questionable as the clones themselves are considered property, instead of only providing their time and labor force. However, the Republic and the Senate cannot further sell the soldiers. That’s good enough for the Senate. (Who should stop them?)

However, clones have no realistic means of gaining freedom. Unlike other forms of mandatory service that have set terms or conditions for release, clones are bound to serve indefinitely due to their creation for the sole purpose of military service. There are no mechanisms for recognition or reward that would lead to their release from service. Yet, the Senate can argue that they were initially unaware of the existence of the clone army. Consequently, the laws regarding mandatory service need reviews and updates. The Senate declares its intention to determine the options and conditions; unfortunately, due to the pressing issues posed by the ongoing war, they set an indefinite deadline to revise the current laws.

As I said, legal definitions and interpretations can be flexible.

(For the record, I’m still considering the clones slaves.)

That concludes my speculations about the legal framework of the Galactic Republic's utilization of clones. I deem it well possible that I overlooked source information that deny/contradict my entire line of argument. In that case, understand it as my version of “Star Wars would be so good if it was good”. I tried to watch Tales of the Jedi and gave up after three episodes. The absence of effort (or skill) to introduce ambiguity or controversies that reflect the complicated nature of such a rich and potential story universe was too frustrating to endure. Then again, Dave Felony (not a typo) already spectacularly exemplified his lack of vision and perspective as a storyteller in three seasons about the tales of the White Supremacy Squad, so…

Anyway, Iet’s wrap up this first installment of our multi-part exploration of the Clone-Industrial Complex, assessing the transition from the pre-war Republic to the use of clones during the war based on the gains the senators derive from this strategy.

Considering my argumentation, the transition is not as significant a leap as it might initially appear. In fact, it exemplifies the qualities of the systematic framework provided by hyper-liberal and immensely capitalist ideals and approaches. By deploying clones, the Republic sidesteps the need to draft ordinary citizens into military service, upholding individual freedoms and maintaining social and economic stability. This strategic move underscores the Republic's ability to foster conditions that best serve the well-being of its citizens, proving its flexibility and adaptability in times of galactic crisis.

The clones’ service prevents the disruption that conscription would cause, allowing citizens to continue their daily lives, focus on their families, and contribute to the economy without the interruption and stress of being drafted. Clones, bred and trained for combat from birth, represent a workforce designed to meet specific needs, promising a more successful outcome than assembling an emergency army of untrained civilians. This ensures protection without compromising the freedoms of the population.

Given the grounded speculation that child labor is socially accepted within the Republic, the extensive training of young cadets isn’t necessarily perceived as an issue. Just as Padmé’s service as a child queen prepared her for her outstanding senatorial career, cadet training prepares young individuals for their future societal roles. Furthermore, categorizing the clone army under the regulations of mandatory service gives politicians and citizens a convenient excuse to ignore the truth. All the paragons and champions of liberty and democracy don’t have to worry about the sacrifices being made to save their precious Republic.

The successful deployment and operation of the clone army demonstrate that the Republic's system, blending democratic principles with market-driven solutions, can effectively address large-scale threats while preserving individual rights and freedoms.

This system protects everyone, except those who are fighting and dying for it.

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[Disclaimer: Thank you for reading this far! This exploration is highly subjective and biased by my personal tastes, ideology, education, and other limitations. I’m merely a passionate writer who tries to make sense of the dumpster fire that is the Star Wars franchise and the Clone Wars. If you find anything that doesn’t apply, let it fly. But if you read this far you might find you like my meta. In that case, you maybe also like my more artistic and creative endeavors. That’s where my heart actually is. I’m only doing analyses and interpretations to collect material for my own fics and figure out how my OCs think and feel about the developments, bodies and dynamics of their world. Spoiler: They all tend to feel quite appalled by people in power, Republic and Separatists alike. Otherwise, I am of the opinion that the Confederacy of Independent Systems or the Empire are not alternatives to the Galactic Republic, but a disaster.]

The moment I was first struck by how excellent of a leader Hunter is:

Because here's the thing: Hunter DOES let his choices be debated. He not only lets his brothers share their opinions, he welcomes them, and he takes their opinions into consideration (see: every single discussion leading up to Hunter making a decision about a mission throughout the show). He may not agree with the opinions presented and he may choose a different option, but he WILL listen. And he never, ever acts like he is infallible or that his opinions are always right.

Hunter may be the leader, but he doesn't set himself above his brothers. He doesn't act like he's better than them or that he's entitled to their deference. He is very skilled at organizing them and the plans based on their individual skill sets and how they work together as a team; he can make decisions and come up with plans quickly and efficiently in the heat of battle, and I'm sure all these skills are what led to him becoming the sergeant. But what makes him a leader is that he trusts his squad just as much as they trust him, and allows them to make their own decisions.

Above all, he loves his squad and always looks out for the safety and wellbeing of his teammates; and not only that, he respects them as individuals and wants their input.

And they all know it.

And I love Hunter for it ❤️