UNDERSTANDING DECENTRALIZATION THROUGH AMC'S THE WALKING DEAD
COMMUNITIES
IN THE WALKING DEAD
In AMC's The Walking Dead (TWD) society has fallen apart. A virus has taken hold of the world, leaving those who "die" to roam the Earth as "walkers". Only the most cunning and strongest of people remain alive to try and rebuild society (The Walking Dead, 2010-2018).
Much like the times where smaller groups of people roamed the earth looking for food and shelter, some groups have formed a decentralized existence where communication, laws, and trade are based on mutual trust and guarantees to protect each other. Other groups have centralized power, and rely on a single person to make laws, organize duties, and provide protection under threat of punishment or death, much like the feudal lords of the dark ages (The Walking Dead, 2010-2018).
Recent seasons of AMC's The Walking Dead have provided great examples of both centralized and decentralized forms of governance (The Walking Dead, 2010-2018). Explore the information below to find out more about how decentralization is portrayed in communities within the The Walking Dead.
There are spoilers below through the end of Season 8, so please be aware if you are a fan of the show. Also, there is vulgar language, violent themes and images in the videos below which are not suitable for children.
The Walking Dead [Television series]. (2010-2018). New York, NY: AMC Network Entertainment, LLC.
CENTRALIZED
Governance In The Walking Dead
NEGAN & THE SAVIORS
First is our representation of centralized governance, Negan & The Saviors. Negan, like a feudal lord of the middle ages, has organized a large group of people as "resources" through a mixture of intimidation and charisma. All of these "resources" answer directly to Negan, or face severe punishment or death. For a time, Negan brought all of the known communities in The Walking Dead under his control. It is important to note that Negan does not see himself as a ruthless overlord. He sees himself as someone who is bringing order to a terribly chaotic world (The Walking Dead 8x05 "Negan vs. Simon, Negan Shouts at Simon" (2017) Warning: Strong language and violence are depicted in this scene).
The Walking Dead 8x05 "Negan vs. Simon, Negan Shouts at Simon" (2017). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5dW5lzcELg
Negan's Centralized Power Structure
Picture of Ezekiel. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Picture of Jadis. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Picture of Maggie. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Picture of Negan. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Picture of Rick. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Layout/artwork by David Kittrell.
DECENTRALIZED
Governance In The Walking Dead
RICK, THE WIDOW, & THE KING
Rick Grimes, the protagonist of the show is in charge of one of the decentralized communities called Alexandria, where he is trying to build a cooperative relationship with other nearby communities (Maggie, the Widow and leader of the Hilltop, and Ezekiel, the leader of the Kingdom, and eventually Cyndie, the leader of Oceanside). Rick hopes the communities will come together for the sake of mutual protection from Negan, defeating him in order to live in peace with mutual respect for one another. It is important to note that saying any of the groups in the Walking Dead, Rick's included, are consistently behaving in a decentralized way. There are times throughout the show where all of the groups could be considered centralized. But, by and large, it seems the overall goal of Rick's community is something very closely aligned with decentralized philosophy (The Walking Dead 8x01 Rick Maggie and Ezekiel Plans For Negan's End Scene Season 8 Episode 1, 2017)
The Walking Dead 8x01 Rick Maggie and Ezekiel Plans For Negan's End Scene Season 8 Episode 1 (2017). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1Rp9a2-qDA
Rick's Decentralized Power Structure
Layout/artwork by David Kittrell.
Picture of Cyndie. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://walkingdead.wikia.com/wiki/File:Cyndie_Season_7.jpg
Picture of Ezekiel. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Picture of Maggie. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew
Picture of Rick. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2018, from http://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/cast-crew