International Relations and Zombies

Because zombies can spread across borders and threaten states and civilizations, they should command the attention of scholars and policymakers. There are many sources of fear in world politics—terrorist attacks, natural disasters, climate change, financial panic, nuclear proliferation, ethnic conflict, etc. It is striking however, how an unnatural problem has become one of the fastest-growing concerns in international relations. If the dead begin to rise from the grave and attack the living, what international relations theory would—or should—guide the human response? How would all those theories hold up under the pressure of a zombie assault? These are some of the questions explored in this first year seminar.

Students taking this course should acquire a deep familiarity with the prevailing theories and major scholars explaining the functioning of the global system and its actors. Special emphasis is placed on development of critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, as well as how to conduct research in the social sciences so that you will be able to critically address global crises such as an impending zombie apocalypse. This course also counts as GOV 108 writing intensive and fulfills the SSC requirement.