The Post-Pandemic World

In today's Times of Malta (28.III.2020), I take a glimpse at what the post-Covid19 world might look like politically. I argue that the current situation, perhaps, offers a glimpse of what we might expect:

"Firstly, despite the claims that globalisation creates a borderless world, the current crisis proved that borders have some uses. By shutting down borders and using such borders to screen people, governments have tacitly acknowledged that these still serve some function – whether this is real or symbolic matters little.

Secondly, restrictions in various countries have led some to organise different initiatives to encourage and motivate others amid fear and death. In Italy and Spain, citizens proudly display their national flags and sing popular songs from their balconies. Patriotism and nationalism have offered an opportunity to show defiance in the face of the unknown, which knows no borders.

Thirdly, an excessive amount of criticism has been levelled against the European Union and its response. Though there have been some shortcomings on its side, many seem to be unaware that the European Union has minimal competencies in the health sector. In politics, however, perception often matters more than reality. These perceptions, coupled with rising nationalistic sentiment, are likely to shape the post-pandemic world.

Lastly, there seems to be an atmosphere of wartime. In an excellent interview on BBC’s Newsnight, Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, delivered some prescient insights. He noted that there is a “renewal of the ‘we’” and a resurgence of social solidarity reminiscent of the “wartime spirit.”"

The full piece may be read on The Times of Malta website.