@mattly then, hm, I can't tell if you would like the Yoon Ha Lee books; without yielding spoilers too much, both concepts are a factor, but with vastly different takes.
The two things you are talking about though, are absolutely the primary plot drivers for Ancillary* sequence, they are not a mere backdrop for whatever one may think is the story from the outset.
but I think you would like the Tainted Cup ; and I really liked the Scholomance ones although the initial entry into them made me grimace.
now I'm glancing at other stuff by
Robert Jackson Bennett and wondering if I should try it. I'm also thinking about some of Becky Chambers recent books which a few people have recommended. Ah well, must resist, I am busy, will look after this weekend.