BOOK REVIEWS
Daniel W. Drezner’s Theories of International Politics and Zombies
25 June 2024
“What we have is a cute and self-effacing introduction to the basics of international political theory along with a middle-of-the-road overview of zombies. . .”
There is a lot which could have been right about Drezner’s book: ironic positions or tones he might have adopted, true digging into the theories the book purports to examine, or even potential case studies into the synthesis which, on the surface is an idea which fits two of my passions: international politics and the absurdity of zombies.
Instead, what we have is a cute and self-effacing introduction to the basics of international political theory along with a middle-of-the-road overview of how zombies might/could/possibly/ifyoudon’tmind/should/perhaps/potentially/supposed to be addressed by such a theory. In brief, neither the zombie enthusiast or student of theory will leave enlightened or satisfied, since neither is fed what they came for.
Drezner doesn’t even adopt a tone which suggests his narrator is invested, instead peppering the text with cartoons from Reader’s Digest days. It’s too bad, because the “research” that went into this book created a bibliography dozens of pages long. So what did you do with all that?
Mostly, I was disappointed in the omission of what seemed to me an obvious direction: case studies, simulations, and recommended policy directions. Let’s see the theory become practice!
As it is, if you want the politics of zombies, try World War Z. If you want the political theory, try just about any basic text. Each will give you more.
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