Theories Of International Politics And Zombies (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
After considering the implications of a zombie attack, Drezner explores each international relations theorem's explanation and response to such an attack. While traditional narratives quickly turn to apocalypse, he believes these stories ignore the almost unavoidable government response. He does acknowledge, however, that these responses will vary in effectiveness (e.g. he points to the heightened challenges a developing country would face in the wake of a zombie attack as compared to a developed nation). Essentially, he argues realists would allow zombies to be; liberals would create an organization to regulate zombies; constructivists would demand a pluralistic society that prevents future outbreaks; neoconservatives would call for large military efforts and support any "pushes for democracy" by other human communities fearing zombie oppression. He acknowledges mistakes will be made, but seems more hopeful than most zombie literature in governments' abilities to adapt and coordinate.It is a useful read as it applies a trope of popular culture in a framework that can be more largely understood as how governments will respond to the asymmetric threats that we now face. Zombies are a stand-in for pandemics, terrorism, illicit trade. While its title may prove misleading (a number of reviews lamented that it is more focused on the politics part of the title rather than the zombie part), it is a useful and less dull primer for anyone looking to understand the application of traditional international relations theorems.But if you're looking for a good zombie read, keep looking. I wish I had Drezner as a professor in college. He's humorous, introduces new content clearly without being condescending, and provides sufficient reasoning to support his ideas. This was a really fun prep read for a project we had our students do on international relations theory, and the application to a zombie apocalypse made it tangible for the students.I read Drezner's foreign policy blog regularly because he is able to represent complex content in a simplified manner.I also read this at the same time as World War Z, which made this even better. Being able to recognize the theories within the story made me feel like an accomplished student.
What do You think about Theories Of International Politics And Zombies (2011)?
Excellent... Read it today inbetween classes... I loved it. I love his writing style! :]
—JayJay
An interesting approach for introducing mainstream international relations theories
—aya
This was absolutely amazing. Quite informative and all around well done.
—Goldrush
A must read for all zombie and politics lovers!
—Marnie
