Chapter 2: Theories of International Relations & Zombies

In this chapter, we’ll dive into the major theories that scholars use to make sense of global politics—realism, liberalism, constructivism, Marxism, and feminism. These theories are more than just academic jargon; they are powerful tools for understanding why states behave the way they do. Whether it’s navigating alliances, responding to crises, or vying for dominance, these frameworks reveal the motives, strategies, and power structures that shape our world. To make things a bit more engaging, we’ll step away from dry textbook examples and instead imagine how the world might react to something a little more… unconventional: a zombie apocalypse. Yes, zombies! It’s the perfect way to bring these theories to life (or undead life, as the case may be), showing how they operate in an extreme and chaotic scenario.

But before we start fortifying bunkers and debating zombie containment policies, let’s remember the real goal: understanding how these theories interpret state behavior during moments of crisis. Realism’s gritty focus on survival and power gives us one lens, while liberalism’s optimism about cooperation through institutions provides another. Constructivism pushes us to consider the influence of ideas and norms, Marxism critiques the role of economic inequality, and feminism urges us to think about who is overlooked in traditional analyses. By the end of this chapter, you won’t just know the definitions—you’ll see these theories in action, from the battlefield to the negotiating table, whether in a zombie apocalypse or the real world. So buckle up—together, we’ll tackle the big questions of international relations and maybe even survive the zombies in the process.

SPOILER WARNING: This chapter will reference specific characters and events from the film World War Z, some of which may spoil major plot points. If you would like to watch the film before you continue, I highly recommend it. HCC students can watch the film for free through our library’s Swank account here: World War Z (2013) Not an HCC student? Check your streaming platforms or local library for access!