Insights from The Walking Dead on Global Events Post-Zombie Outbreak

Although primarily set in the United States, the universe of The Walking Dead has hinted at a larger, global catastrophe stemming from the virus that created the undead. The franchise, spanning 11 successful seasons, focused primarily on the survivors’ struggles to rebuild their lives amid the chaos without fully exploring the international implications of the outbreak. While key lore elements like universal infection and the methods for dispatching zombies were established, many aspects of the global apocalypse remained elusive for quite a while.

Fortunately, the numerous spinoffs of The Walking Dead have expanded the narrative by revealing important details about the virus’s origins and its worldwide ramifications. Series like World Beyond, Fear the Walking Dead, and Daryl Dixon have broadened the scope, showcasing how various nations grappled with the zombie chaos. Although some nations may forever remain shrouded in mystery, the franchise has illuminated several locations outside the U.S., indicating how different regions responded to the breakdown of civilization caused by the outbreak.

The CRM’s Global Perspective on the Zombie Virus

Major General Beale’s Conviction About Global Infection

Among all factions introduced in The Walking Dead, the Civic Republic Military (CRM) has a comprehensive understanding of the global situation. Home to the largest known community in this universe and some of the brightest minds, the CRM has undertaken extensive research regarding the apocalypse. The spinoff The Ones Who Live emphasizes the Echelon briefing, showcasing the CRM’s strategic plan involving eliminating other communities and seizing their resources for sustainability.

Though details of their intelligence remain sparse, Major General Beale’s statements reflect a concerning belief: the CRM is convinced that the entire world has succumbed to the outbreak. He mentioned that, based on their projections, resources would deplete within 14 years, prompting their push to form a self-sustaining community. The implication is clear: without a stable nation to rebuild society, the Civics’ only option is to eradicate other communities.

While the CRM’s insights suggest a worldwide spread of the virus, it does not confirm that every country has been irrevocably lost. Nonetheless, their aggressive tactics imply a grave outlook on global survival.

Insights from Fear the Walking Dead on Mexico

Mexico’s Descent into Chaos

Nick covered in blood in Fear the Walking Dead

Recent narratives suggest that the outbreak reached Mexico around the same time as the U.S., potentially triggered by the bombing of San Diego. The rapid spread overwhelmed a densely populated Mexico, leading to a swift governmental collapse. While a few resilient communities emerged, they never achieved the robust defenses seen in The Walking Dead, prompting characters to retreat to the U.S. for safety. As a result, Mexico stands out as one of the hardest-hit regions by the undead crisis.

Daryl Dixon’s Exploration of France’s Condition

France: The Epicenter of the Outbreak

France plays a critical role in the mythos of The Walking Dead, as preliminary evidence suggests that the viral outbreak originated there. The narrative of World Beyond hints at a catastrophic experiment in France that made the virus airborne, leading to its global proliferation. Daryl Dixon further reveals that France suffers immensely, possibly more than the U.S., with the deadly combination of mass zombie attacks and the rise of authoritative factions like Pouvoir taking control.

While Daryl and his companions attempt to combat these threats, the nation is plagued by a multitude of zombie variants, indicating that France presents an unprecedented challenge even for seasoned survivors. The introduction of Laurent, a character believed to demonstrate potential immunity to the virus, raises intriguing possibilities about the future of humanity amidst despair.

The United Kingdom’s Relative Safety in the Walking Dead

A Glimpse of Safety in the UK

Daryl Dixon in the UK with red lights — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

While the United Kingdom has yet to be fully depicted in The Walking Dead, there are indications that it may be faring better than many other areas. Daryl’s journey in Season 2 features a Scottish couple who traveled from the UK, relaying impressions of a secure environment safeguarded by military intervention. However, subsequent trailers hint at the infection’s impact, suggesting that while some aspects remain intact, the UK might not be entirely immune to the chaos.

Upcoming episodes of Daryl Dixon are expected to further explore the UK’s circumstances, which could reveal the adaptations and challenges faced in one of the series’ presumed safer locations.

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