『세계 대전 Z』에 나타난 세계의 종말과 미국의 재탄생

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the geopolitical aspect of apocalyptic imagination in World War Z. The novel presents zombies and its de-territorial characteristics as a symbolic way of expressing the fear of de-localizing power inherent in globalization, and by doing so, it continues the subversive tradition of zombie narrative questioning the status quo. The problem is, however, that this subversive element ultimately leads to a highly conservative impulse in the novel. As an imaginary solution to the geopolitical problem of globalization, the author turns to mythical images of the U.S., which marks a “new” beginning of the nation in the post-apocalyptic world. In presenting the U.S. as the only place in the world properly inheriting liberal democracy, the author attempts to differentiate the nation from the rest of the world. The U.S. is presented as a special space practicing liberal democracy, while the rest of the world becomes extremely stereotypical places. Given that, this paper aims to argue that, contrary to the general readership and criticism, World War Z is based upon politically conservative impulse in which American exceptionalist ideas are ultimately endorsed and reinforced.