Why Daenerys Did Not Extend an Offer to the Starks for Fealty: A Missed Opportunity for Diplomacy

One of the most intriguing and often debated aspects of the finale of Game of Thrones is why Daenerys Targaryen did not make any diplomatic overtures to the Starks to secure their fealty. Instead of engaging in a meaningful negotiation, the interactions between Daenerys and the Starks were predominantly confrontational. This article explores why Daenerys might have missed this crucial opportunity and what diplomatic solutions could have been possible.

Why No Diplomacy?

The showrunners of Game of Thrones likely believed that depicting diplomatic negotiations would not be of interest to viewers. Hence, the interactions between Daenerys and the Starks were reduced to either pledging fealty or maintaining independence, with no room for compromise. At Dragonstone, the discussion was primarily between "Bend the knee" and "We're independent now, come and fight for us."

The final season introduced a twist where Jon was forced to pledge fealty to Daenerys as part of her military aid, rather than an agreement reached through negotiation. This retcon added a layer of complexity to the narrative, raising questions about whether Jon was truly choosing fealty or was coerced into it.

In real-life scenarios, Jon would have arrived at Dragonstone with detailed proposals for an alliance. Daenerys would have been briefed by experienced advisors such as Tyrion Lannister and Varys, who would have informed her of what she could realistically offer and concede.

Potential Diplomatic Solutions

Given Daenerys's overwhelming military power, a diplomatic solution would have involved mutually beneficial concessions and reciprocal assistance. Here are some diplomatic approaches that could have been pursued:

1. Recognition of Independence with Sovereignty Boundaries

Jon’s Opening Position: In return for recognition of the North as an independent region south of the Neck, the North would recognize Daenerys as the sovereign of this region and offer military assistance against Cersei in exchange for military assistance against the Dead. Daenerys’s Opening Position: She would agree to a mutual military alliance and recognize Jon as the King in the North but would not accept the break-up of the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys would be the overlord of the entire realm.

2. Dornish-Type Autonomy

The Starks and the North preferred a royal marriage or a similar Dornish solution. This would have given them a degree of autonomy, akin to the autonomy granted to Dorne within the Seven Kingdoms.

3. Status Within a Larger State

Similar to countries like Bavaria and Prussia within the Holy Roman Empire or Bavaria after 1871, the North could have been granted a status within a larger state, providing both autonomy and a measure of sovereignty.

Daenerys's Assertive Stance

Daenerys is not known for her diplomatic approaches. Her leadership style is more assertive, as seen in her declaration, “It’s mine because my ancestors had it, so gimme it or I’ll burn you.” This approach, while compelling, can be rigid and leaves no room for compromise.

Given the North's overwhelming military support, the Starks and their supporters would likely have accepted any offer Daenerys made. However, to avoid a full-scale civil war and maintain peace, Daenerys might have needed to consider broader objectives, such as promoting unity and fostering alliances.

A Missed Opportunity for Better Solutions

While Jon and his advisors were willing to negotiate, they faced limited options once Daenerys rejected their desire for self-rule. Essentially, the Starks and the North wanted independence, and Daenerys was not interested in entertaining any concessions.

Internally, if something had caused a rift in Daenerys's council, it could have forced her advisors to recognize that she was dangerously unbalanced and seek alternative solutions. However, reality often does not offer such convenient opportunities, and the storyline ultimately led to a more polarized outcome, culminating in the confrontation we see in the finale.

Nevertheless, the pursuit of diplomacy could have led to a more stable and united Westeros, a scenario that would have been both interesting and satisfying for viewers. The discussion of diplomatic overtures in Game of Thrones underscores the complexity of political negotiations and their impact on the world of Westeros.