The Role of Grand Moff Tarkin in the Death Star Project: Revealing His Strategy and Complexities

In the expansive Star Wars universe, the character of Grand Moff Tarkin often garners significant attention for his strategic brilliance and cold, calculating demeanor. One of the most intriguing debates revolves around his role in the Death Star Project. Was Tarkin always involved from the beginning, or did he acquire control at a later stage? This discussion delves into Tarkin’s strategic motivations and actions.

From the Start to the Finish

Many fans recall the scenes in Revenge of the Sith where Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Vader observe the construction of the Death Star. There, a figure walks past them—this was Tarkin. This scene hints at Tarkin's early involvement in the project, but how did his role evolve over time?

Tarkin was not just a passive observer; he was the primary advocate for the Death Star at the highest levels of the Empire. He competed with Thrawn’s TIE Defender Project and Hemlock's Mt. Tantiss Project for funding and other priorities. His position as Grand Moff of the Outer Rim was a crucial asset in his favor.

Strategic Manipulation and Power Plays

Tarkin’s strategic manipulation of Krennic is a core element of his character development. Krennic, the technical supervisor, had an inflated sense of his importance. Tarkin understood that Krennic, with his technical skills, was vital for the project's success. However, Tarkin also recognized Krennic's lack of political clout and his reliance on others to accomplish tasks.

When Krennic was deemed “useful,” Tarkin kept him in control and used him to build the Death Star. However, once Krennic became less valuable, Tarkin orchestrated his downfall. The events at Scarif, where Krennic was vaporized along with his base, highlight Tarkin's ruthless nature and his willingness to eliminate those who no longer served his purposes.

Legends vs. Canon: Tarkin's Involvement

In the Legends canon, there is a detailed exploration of Tarkin's role in the project. However, in the current canon, Tarkin's involvement is slightly different. Director Krennic is portrayed as the primary figure responsible for the project. Tarkin, as the Governor of the Outer Rim, had numerous other projects and responsibilities. He preferred to delegate the project to Krennic so that if anything went wrong, the responsibility would not fall on him. This strategy demonstrates Tarkin's keen understanding of political risk and his willingness to maintain his status and power.

Conclusion: Grand Moff Tarkin's role in the Death Star project showcases a complex web of strategic maneuvers, political ambition, and ruthless pragmatism. Whether from the start or a later stage, Tarkin's ultimate goal was to secure the project for the Empire and maintain his position of power. His actions reveal a deeper understanding of the political landscape and the delicate balance of power within the Galactic Empire.