Conflict is rife in the world ofSpy x Family, where viewers are transported back tothe classic spy genrethat has been ever-so-popular in television since the 1960s. In this fictional setting, Westalis and Ostania are opposing sides of a coin, seemingly fixed in an eternal battle for power. Devastated by the past war, each nation has been forced to rebuild, and in an attempt to gain the upper hand, they each develop their own unique military intelligence.
Related:Meet the Staff Behind Spy x Family
Loid Forger has been sent from Westalis to infiltrate the enemy forces as a spy for WISE and prevent another war from breaking out. So far, little has been revealed about Twilight’s Western nation (which Ostania constantly paints in a negative light), but some insights into the politics of Westalis could assist viewers in predicting the outcome of Loid’s top-secret mission.
5Historical Reference
As perceptive viewers may be aware, theSpy x Familystoryline is loosely based on historical wars, making particular reference to the Berlin War between East and West Germany, and throwing in some Cold War andWorld War II animosity in the process. In this scenario, Westalis represents the Federal Republic of Germany of the West, and Ostania, therefore, symbolizes the Eastern component (although the two nations have always been separate states.)
In the devastating war against Hitler’s communist forcesduring World War II, West Germany relied on the assistance of the USA, UK, and France, and espionage was definitely a thing of reality. Loid’s name is of Welsh origin and, although unlikely to be his birth name, does reaffirm his alliances with the British forces who assisted West Germany. Yor and Yuri, however, suggest Russian roots and, as history buffs are aware, the Soviet Union was a crucial factor in all of the chaos.
4Secret Service
Not much is known about Westalis other than their official secret agency, called The Westalian Intelligence Services' Eastern-Focused Division, or WISE. This organization’s main priority is to neutralizeconflict between the two nations, in the hopes of eventually persuading Westalis and Ostania to sign a peace treaty. Twilight and Sylvia Sherwood work for WISE and are currently residing in enemy territories in an attempt to snub out corruption before it spreads. The agency’s emblem, which can be seen on Loid’s pin, features an eastwardly facing eye to remind Ostania that they are under constant surveillance.
Related:Spy x Family: The Secret Organizations Behind Loid and Yor Forger
There also seems to be a greater element of secrecy to the WISE than with regards to the State Security Service of Ostania, who bully and intimidate anyone who poses a threat or creates suspicion. It is implied that, unlike the SSS, the Westalis Secret Service is less concerned with governing its people andmore about inspiring peace.
3The Peace Of Westphalia
Another, a more specific historical reference that the fictional Westalis has to reality concernsthe Peace of Westphaliawhere sovereignty was granted to each state, ending a long-winded war between German nations, as well as several other countries across the globe.
This treaty facilitated the emergence ofsovereign states and diplomatic systemsinvolving newfound international relations, which is essentially what WISE is aiming for (as far as fans can tell.) Peaceful reconciliation first began betweenthe Westphalian towns of Münster and Osnabrück in 1644 Germany, and if the WISE agents can get the job done, the same could be said for Westalis and Ostania. The fact that Westalis seems to be the instigator of amnity and its similarity to the name Westphalia cannot be pure coincidence.
2Diplomacy Over Communism
So far as viewers can tell, Westalians have a lot more freedom than their neighbors do, however, without seeing much of the country firsthand, it is hard to know for sure. The assassination of a Westalian diplomat inepisode 1 ofSpy x Familycould be evidence that Ostania does not conform to the idea of peaceful relations, or an attempt to control the spread of information that said diplomat wished to share. It is important to note that there is a strong materialistic nature to the influential Westalian representative, which is indicative that the country may not be as innocent as viewers assume, as their leaders are clearly fueled by greed.
Related:Spy x Family: 6 Things You Need To Know About Ostania
Fans should keep in mind that Westalis also had a part to play in the past war and are not completely innocent, and so far,theSpy x Familystorylinehas been skewed to depict Loid and his agency as the ultimate heroes. As things progress, the truth could reveal that Westalis is more sinister than initially assumed, but as it stands (as of episode 9) if the world were painted black and white, then the Westerners are the good guys.
1Westalian Foreign Minister Brantz
ThisWestalian VIP is based on politician Willy Brandtof West Germany’s Social Democratic Party, who won aNobel Prize in 1971for his contribution to restoring peace between West Germany and the Soviet Union. After a fruitful career in politics, Brant resigned in 1974 from his position of authority when it was discovered that his close colleague and companion, Günter Guillaume, was in fact a spy!
Although Foreign Minister Brantz has not received much screentime in the first nine episodes of the Anime, he is due to play a vital role in the development of the storyline according to theSpy x FamilyManga.If history' repeat’s itself,then Minister Brantz will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for peaceful cohabitation between East and West, as long as Keith Kepler does not eliminate him from the running.
Spy x Familyis available to stream on Crunchyroll.
More:8 Best Anime To Watch If You Love Spy X Family
