9 February, 2021

The Post-Pandemic International Order

COVID-19 has had extremely adverse effects on nearly every measure of human wellbeing. Civil liberties, economies, mental & physical health, and educational attainment have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. In the past year we’ve witnessed increasing backlash against globalization, the continued shifting of supply chains, the worldwide regression of democracy, a preponderance of populist movements, as well as a resurgence of nationalism. 

These trends preceded the pandemic, have only been accelerated by it, and will yield significant challenges in the coming decade. The biggest challenge, however, will be the management of the growing rivalry between the U.S and China—particularly for middle powers such as Canada. If the pandemic imparts any kind of lesson on us, its this—effective government institutions, staffed with competent civil servants are fundamentally important to the health of our democratic societies.

"[Covid-19] affects all human beings. It’s a reminder that if you don’t have effective global public health institutions, something like this can get out of control. I’d say the same thing concerning climate change. There is a greater global awareness that we are facing a common danger, which will require collective action."