The Role of Varys in Westeros: A Journey Towards Representative Governance

As the political landscape of Westeros evolves, one character stands out in his pursuit of creating a better governance system for the common people: Varys. Often seen as a political manipulator, Varys's true intentions may be misunderstood. This article explores the feasibility of a republic in Westeros and the role Varys plays in shaping the political future of the Seven Kingdoms.

Feudal Society vs. Representative Government

The concept of a republic is alien to Westeros. Unlike the more progressive feudal systems of Western Europe during the War of the Roses, the political structure of Westeros is deeply rooted in a rigid caste system. A person's status in society is primarily determined by their birth and social class, making the idea of a republic seem far-fetched. For a republic to thrive, a substantial middle class with a high level of education is necessary. Such a class is non-existent in Westeros, and it would take hundreds of years for the necessary cultural and educational changes to occur.

The Historical Context

Even in more advanced societies, like medieval England, the shift from a purely monarchic system to a more representative one was gradual and necessitated significant social upheaval. It was the unjust rule of King John that led to the Magna Carta, a document that laid the groundwork for communal decision-making and the limitation of royal power. In Westeros, there has been no equivalent of the Magna Carta. The political fabric is threadbare compared to the rich clothing of their social structure.

Varys's Vision and the Targaryens

While Varys's desire for a better system for the common people is genuine, his ability to conceptualize representative government is limited. He has pledged his support to the Targaryens because he believes that, among all the contenders, they offer the most stable and long-term governance, providing the best chances for the lowborn to thrive.

Prosperity among the smallfolk, the common people, will eventually bring about changes. As the smallfolk grow wealthier, they will have more access to education, leading to the emergence of new towns and more complex trades. These developments will eventually foster the conditions necessary for a representative form of governance. The British model, with its two-chambered parliament, can serve as a template for Westeros. A lower house elected from the people and an upper chamber of lords and nobles would check the overreach of the monarch.

Varys's Favoritism

While Varys would prefer a constitutional monarchy, he acknowledges that the current system is flawed. He is working towards making incremental changes. It is likely that Varys would advocate for a constitutional monarchy if he could envision it. However, his influence is waning. A person like Daenerys Targaryen, with dragons and a proven track record of saving the realm, will face less scrutiny from Varys. Even if Daenerys is not the ideal leader, she is a significant improvement over Cersei Lannister, a ruler who has brought nothing but turmoil and suffering to the Seven Kingdoms.

The Future of Westeros

As the political landscape of Westeros continues to evolve, Varys's role becomes more limited. The smallfolk must take the lead in shaping their future. It is through their collective actions and decisions that a more representative form of governance can emerge. The threads of democracy and representative governance must be nurture[d by the common people, and Varys, while still playing a crucial role, will be overshadowed by the needs and demands of the smallfolk.

The question of whether Varys intends to use Daenerys and then turn on her is misguided. Daenerys is a beacon of hope and change. Despite her flaws, she has brought a level of stability and hope to a realm torn apart by war and turmoil. Varys, though still influential, will have to accept the reality that Daenerys is the best option for the smallfolk's future. As Varys himself acknowledges, her survival is crucial, and his days of political maneuvering are numbered.

Conclusion

The journey towards representative governance in Westeros is long and fraught with challenges. Varys's role in this process is one of gradual change and incremental progress. The common people must embrace the changes that come with prosperity, education, and a growing middle class. Varys, while a subtle and cunning player, will eventually be overshadowed by the will and actions of the smallfolk. The future of Westeros lies in their hands, and Daenerys Targaryen stands as a symbol of hope and possibility.