Governance in Another Realm: Decoding Realism and Pragmatism in How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom

現実主義勇者の王国再建記 Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Characters:

1. Soma Kazuya (相馬 一也 / ソーマ・カズヤ - Soma Kazuya)

2. Liscia Elfrieden (リーシア・エルフリーデン - Liscia Elfrieden)

3. Aisha Udgard (アイーシャ・ウドガルド - Aisha Udgard)

4. Juna Doma (ジュナ・ドーマ - Juna Doma)

5. Roroa Amidonia (ロロア・アミドニア - Roroa Amidonia)

"How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom," known as "Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki" in Japanese, introduces a captivating narrative centered around Soma Kazuya, a protagonist summoned to another world to be a hero but unexpectedly finds himself assuming the role of the king of the Elfrieden Kingdom. The anime, belonging to the fantasy governance genre, explores the challenges of governance in a world grappling with conflicts between humans and demons, a global food crisis, and the necessity for Soma to address both the kingdom's food shortage and his impending marriage to Princess Liscia Elfrieden.

At its core, the anime unfolds Soma's journey as a courageous student of human sciences, applying his pragmatic and realistic knowledge to reconstruct the Elfrieden Kingdom. The narrative delves into his strategies for addressing complex issues such as the global food crisis, incorporating economic solutions, trade and investment promotion, agricultural development, and comprehensive tax system reforms.

Emphasizing Soma's commitment to improving the lives of citizens, the anime showcases his initiatives in enhancing infrastructure, providing education for serfs, and ensuring public health. Additionally, Soma undertakes the modernization of the military to safeguard against external threats, showcasing a comprehensive approach to governance.

Analyzing the anime, it becomes evident that it reflects pragmatism in governance, with Soma prioritizing practical solutions over relying on supernatural powers. The series addresses real-world issues such as debt, poverty, corruption, and internal conflicts in a thorough manner, portraying the complexity of the protagonist by showcasing both his virtues and cunning nature.

The article aims to explore biases present in the anime, discussing its portrayal of various governance theories, including:

1. Realism vs. Idealism: Soma's focus on practical governance over correctness or morality emphasizes the importance of leaders understanding both citizens and rulers.

2. Critique of Authoritarianism: The anime criticizes authoritarian rule, highlighting Soma's inclusive decision-making processes through programs like "Royal Dish" and interviews.

3.

Free Market Capitalism vs. Socialism: Soma's emphasis on promoting trade and investment aligns with free-market capitalism, contrasting with socialist ideals of wealth distribution advocated by some characters.

4. Nationalism vs. Globalism: Soma's initial emphasis on strengthening Elfrieden evolves into collaboration with larger nations, showcasing a shift from nationalism to global cooperation.

The anime introduces contrasting theories as well:

1. Nationalism: Soma's focus on strengthening Elfrieden aligns with nationalist principles, emphasizing the uniqueness and independence of the nation.

2. Globalism: The anime portrays global cooperation as Soma collaborates with the largest nations, emphasizing the need for unity to address shared challenges.

3. Individualism: Soma's efforts to involve citizens in decision-making reflect individualist values, allowing each citizen to contribute to the kingdom's well-being.

In conclusion, "How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom" offers a nuanced exploration of governance theories, blending elements of realism, pragmatism, and critiques of various political ideologies. The article highlights how the anime serves as a reflection of contemporary governance challenges and underscores the importance of adaptability in leadership.

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1. Realism vs. Idealism:
• Realism: Hans Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace (1948).
• Idealism: Immanuel Kant, Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch (1795).
2. Critique of Authoritarianism:
• Authoritarianism: Carl Schmitt, The Concept of the Political (1932).
• Inclusive Decision-Making: James S. Fishkin, Democracy and Deliberation (1991).
3. Free Market Capitalism vs. Socialism:
• Free Market Capitalism: Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations (1776).
• Socialism: Karl Marx, The Communist Manifesto (1848).
4. Nationalism vs. Globalism:
• Nationalism: Ernest Renan, What is a Nation? (1882).
• Globalism: David Held, The Cosmopolitan Turn (1995).
5. Additional Contrasting Theories:
• Individualism: John Locke, Two Treatises of Government (1689).
• Collectivism: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract (1762).

• How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Wiki: https://genkoku.fandom.com/wiki/Genjitsu_Shugi_Yuusha_no_Oukoku_Saikenki...
• Anime News Network Review of "How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom": https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=24794
• Academic articles or journals that discuss the themes of governance and political philosophy in anime or fantasy.