Landsraad

The Landsraad is a political institution in Frank Herbert's Dune universe. It is the assembly of the Great Houses, noble families that rule planets within the Imperium. The Landsraad serves as a forum for debate, diplomacy, and alliance-building, and acts as a counterweight to the centralized power of the Padishah Emperor and to the Spacing Guild.

Members are the heads of the Great Houses; representation varies as houses rise and fall, and there is no fixed size. Sessions are convened to deliberate matters of imperial policy, spice production, and defense, among other issues affecting the Imperium.

Although not a formal legislative body, the Landsraad can issue statements or resolutions that reflect collective sentiment and influence imperial actions. It also coordinates private forces and resources across houses, enabling collective bargaining and strategic alignment when necessary.

The Landsraad operates alongside the Emperor and the Guild. Its leverage comes from the combined power, autonomy, and influence of its member houses, allowing coordinated action to shape policy and respond to imperial initiatives.

Notable houses include Atreides and Harkonnen, along with many others spread across the known planets. The Landsraad thus forms a central arena for political intrigue and power balance within the Imperium, influencing alliances, succession disputes, and broader governance in the Dune saga.