One reason I like GOT is even though it is fantasy, the behavior of its characters mirror our society in particularly those in power be it in the corporate world or the government.
Take for example the counselors Petyr Baelish and the spider Varys - they are exactly the type of rumor mongers, secret whisperers, and influence peddlers that thrive in the halls of power today.
The manner Cersei outmaneuvered Ned Stark in the struggle to succeed Robert Baratheon could have been some coup de etat in Africa or our own Edsa 1 or 2. Lots of desperate maneuverings, unlikely alliances and backstabbing happening in the background. And of course, those with more guns (spears and swords in this case) do prevail.
Good thing we have no Joffreys but we have far too many Cerseis, Tywins, and Baelishes in our world today. A Ned Stark wouldn't survive in today's society either - too ideal and vulnerable. What we and Westeros need is a Tyrion or in the case of the Philippines, a Daenerys with real live dragons at her command.
It's such a rich world G.R.R. Martin created and save for the dragons, white walkers, and black magic, it's all very contemporary.