Sociopolitical Trends in ASOIAF (Rolling Stone Interview)

[Ramsay Gimp]

Reading GRRM's latest interview (give it a read, it's very good for exploring the larger themes of his story), this quote of his kinda jumped out at me:

Modern historians are interested in sociopolitical trends. I'm not interested in that.

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/george-r-r-martin-the-rolling-stone-interview-20140423?page=2

Now, obviously ASOIAF is a much more character-driven saga than a look at historical "macro" factors. But I still find the quote odd because of the incredible world-building of the series, which includes some definite sociopolitical and arguably even socioeconomic trends.

So I thought I could start a thread where we could discuss some of the long-term, massive trends that we see in the story. A few off the top of my head, though I'm sure there are more...

The Rise of the Red Faith: Barely (if at all) mentioned in AGOT, the followers of the Red God have gained gaining more and more prominence in Martin's story and world. A faith totally alien to Westeros, its presence there began as a single drunk priest in King Robert's court. It now counts Stannis Baratheon (a strong contender for the Throne with the best legal claim) and many of his bannermen/soldiers as believers, along with the Brotherwood without Banners in the Riverlands. Even some defeated Wildlings appeared to take the religion, though their actual faith is debatable. In Essos the church of R'hllor has historically had a larger presence, but it seems to be rising in importance with their flocking to Dany.

The Decline of Slavery in Slaver's Bay: Now some may quibble with this phenomenon since it's mostly due to Daenerys, but it is still a hugely important development for Essos. GRRM also devotes a lot of time to examining how the post-slavery societies of Mereen and Astapor function, and how its demise in those two cities affects the larger economy.

The Assertiveness of the Ironborn: After Aegon's conquest, the Iron Islands were largely subdued. While we hear of some aggressive lords and large-scale raids during the Targaeryn era, there was apparently nothing that approached their earlier glory and no bids for actual independence. But post-Robert's Rebellion, the Ironborn have become increasingly important players in Westeros. Balon donned a crown and led their largest rebellion since Aegon, followed later by an attempt to conquer the North, and now King Euron's attack on the Reach (and bid for the Iron Throne). While individual characters were instrumental in these events, they are also show a new willingness by the common Ironborn to return to the Old Way.

What other long-term, large-scale developments can be found in Martin's work?

[Red Wedding Cake]

Instability of the Iron Throne and Winterfell: The Targaryens held the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms for 300 years until Robert's Rebellion unseated them. The Starks ruled the North and Winterfell for even longer, dating back 1,000 years when the Boltons swore their fealty. Since A Game of Thrones we have seen the Lannisters upset the new royal Baratheon line. We have seen the Starks fall and the Boltons back in Winterfell. The Tyrells are likely making their own play for the Iron Throne, and we are promised revolving regime changes to come before the series' end.

[juanml82]

The rise of the bourgeoisy (sp?) is at an embryonic stage. LF is taking advantage of the nobles overall lack of economic knowledge and if those who get poorer while merchants rise.

It's still hundreds of years away from a French Revolution.

It's also a matter of time before the Myrish invent the microscope, which will make serious medical advances