The Star Wars franchise has inspired generations of science-fiction fans, numerous spin-offs, both good and terrible fan fiction, and even legislation in Congress.

With the next installment of the space opera set to be released in December, there are some important questions we must examine: Is the Empire actually a force for good? Are the Jedi a dangerous religious cult? Was the Republic doomed to failure? Is Han Solo an anarcho-capitalist? What does the series tell us about trade disputes? How would U.S. copyright law apply to lightsabers? How does Star Trek's vision of futuristic utopian socialism compare with Star Wars' setting "a long time in a galaxy far, far away"? 

Our panel of experts will answer these questions and more with a deep discussion of the political philosophy of Star Wars and other contemporary science fiction. Reception to follow.

Featuring:

Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas

U.S. House of Representatives

Benny Johnson

Creative Director, IJ.com

(Moderator)

Mike Godwin

Director of Innovation Policy, R Street Institute

Emily Zanotti

Digital Editor, American Spectator

Trevor Burrus

Research Fellow, Cato Institute