Zinnes studies international relations, and was a pioneer in the use of mathematical models in political science research.
[4] In 1976, Zinnes published the book Contemporary Research in International Relations: A Perspective and a Critical Appraisal.
[5] In Contemporary Research in International Relations, Zinnes advocated for a new emphasis on theory development and refinement in international relations research, in contrast to the ad-hoc style of hypothesis testing that she argued characterized the field at the time.
[10] She was the first woman to hold this position,[1] and is the namesake of an annual award which is given by the Scientific Study of International Processes Section of the International Studies Association, for the best paper presented by a graduate student at the Association's annual conference.
[1] Zinnes has been the editor of a number of journals, including the American Political Science Review from 1981 to 1985.