World’s response to the Covid-19 epidemic
Name: Nana Akosah-Bempah
Student Number: 61703478
Course code: IPC 2602
Assignment number: 1
Assignment Unique number: 745081
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This essay will analyse the world's response to the COVID-19 epidemic, using the individual,
state and global levels of analysis as the framework. By this comprehensive analysis it will
be possible to highlight the different responses at various levels of society to the current
pandemic. Furthermore it brings to light the divergent interests of individuals, different states
and nonstate actors, and global actors and the subsequent decisions taken to protect and
further those interests in response to the global crisis. Given the complex system in which all
these actors interact with each other, It will become clear that these levels of analysis are
only theoretical. In reality an action taken at any level will have a far reaching impact across
all levels of society. Individual decision-makers have the power to influence decisions made
at state levels as well the global level. This phenomenon is something akin to the butterfly
effect. This makes reference to chaos theory, which says that something as small as a
flatter of a butterfly's wing can be the cause of a typhoon on the other side of the world. Just
as dissent by an individual can cause widespread demonstrations, eventually leading to
revolutions capable of disrupting the entire global order. Such was the case with the Arab
Spring in 2010 (International Political Dynamics only study guide for IPC2602, 2020). Or how
the assassination of of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in June 1914 by a
Serbian-nationalist terrorist group called the Black Hand led to World War 1.
It is logical to begin with the analyses of the individual level in assessing the response to the
covid-19 epidemic. The individual level of analysis will discuss the responses of everyday
citizens and individuals to the epidemic (International Political Dynamics only study guide for
IPC2602, 2020). Moreover, Discussing their reactions to the actions of the state in their
attempts to protect their citizens during this global health emergency. This level of analysis
will also assess the actions of prominent individuals who have the power to influence and
make decisions on behalf of the state(International Political Dynamics only study guide for
IPC2602, 2020). The consequences these decisions have had for ordinary citizens, the state
and the global landscape. Furthermore, the analyst of the individual level response to the
epidemic will highlight the consequences the above decisions have on ordinary people.
Marcus Rashford, a professional footballer for Manchester United and England used his
considerable influence and clout to alleviate the suffering of this community at the start of the
lockdown. His aim was to ensure that no child went hungry during the global health
emergency and moreover, to eventually end child poverty. Children who would usually have
received free meals at school prior to the lockdown were now in a very precarious situation
following the closure of schools in response to COVID-19 pandemic, millions of children in
the UK were no at risk of going hungry(Olusoga and Olusoga, 2022). Rashford took steps to
deliver food to children who had previously relied on the free school meals(Olusoga and
Olusoga, 2022). Driven by his own challenges as a child, having to rely on food banks and
soup kitchens, Rashford penned an open letter to the government, imploring them to revise
their decision to end the free meal program(Olusoga and Olusoga, 2022). Subsequently,
under immense pressure the UK government announced that it would extend the program
throughout the summer at a cost of £120 million pounds(Olusoga and Olusoga, 2022). On
the back of Rashford‘s campaigning there were donations from individuals and businesses
towards those in need during this trying time for the whole global community. Herein lies the
power of an individual to influence the state's policies. Furthermore, Rashford is an example
of an individual using his platform and influence to further the interests of society as opposed
to his own, he’s a beacon of hope and an example to everyone.
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In stark contrast to Marcus Rashford, Donald Trump the then president of the United States
and leader of the free world sought to use his influence and power to further his own political
ambitions. Fearing that the pandemic could hamper his chances of retaining his presidency
in upcoming elections. He greatly hindered America’s response to the Covid epidemic and
affected its ability to cooperate and coordinate with key allies, especially the European
Union. Consequently, America missed the opportunity to provide much needed leadership
during this global health emergency. Donald Trump repeatedly misled the American public
about the severity of COVID-19 epidemic and given America's geopolitical position in the
world, his misinformation also impacted the lives of millions globally (Paz, 2022). As early as
January 2019 President Trump was warned about the severity and dangers posed by the
disease in intelligence briefings (Haltiwanger and Woodward, 2021). In Fairbury 2019 Trump
predicted that the virus would disappear ‘like a miracle’ and refer to the virus as a hoax by
the Democrats in an attempt to undermine his presidency (Paz, 2022). These statements
are clearly not inline with the views of the experts at the time. Scientists predicted a long and
protracted fight against the virus, considering its infectious nature. President Donald Trump
repeatedly referred to the virus as ‘just the flu’ (Paz, 2022).Trump also trumpeted the
unproven drug chloroquine as a treatment despite there being no proven therapies or
treatment for the virus at the time (Paz, 2022). Donald Trump refused to be seen wearing a
mask (Haltiwanger and Woodward, 2021). He disregarded social distances guidelines put
forward by the CDC, even holding a campaign rally in an indoor arena attended by
thousands of people (Haltiwanger and Woodward, 2021). As the leader of the most powerful
country in the world, Trump sent the wrong message to the American public and the global
community. His lapse and sluggish attitude, may have caused unnecessary suffering for the
public. By the end of his presidency the US had reported more than 400,000 deaths, the
highest in the world(Haltiwanger and Woodward, 2021). Donald Trump's politicising of the
epidemic sowed deep divisions within American society, consequently preventing a united
effort to fight the virus. An analysis of Trump’s handling of the pandemic stated that 40% of
the deaths that occurred and his watch could’ve been avoided (Haltiwanger and Woodward,
2021). Trump would later admit to deliberately downplaying the threat posed by the virus
because he didn’t want to cause panic (Paz, 2022). Many political analysts believe Trump’s
decision to understate the severity of the virus was to bolster his chances of winning a
second term. He had campaigned on a strong economy, with low unemployment. Admitting
to the severity of the virus to the public, allowing scientists to lead the response to epidemic
and to guide the measures taken to prevent the spread of the virus would have had dire
consequences for the economy and cause the market to crash. Donald Trump feared that
this would affect his chances of re-election. Thus he sought to undermine health experts,
and spread misinformation about the real impact the epidemic would have and was having
on the lives of everyday Americans (Peters, 2022). The ultimate price of Donald Trump’s
actions was paid by ordinary Americans who suffered more than they needed to.
Another phenomena linked to how individuals responded to COVID-19 epidemic is known as
the great resignation.The Great Resignation refers to the high number of resignations
amongst American workers that began in the spring of 2021 and continued into the fall, as
unemployment reduced, the number of job openings continued to rise (HSU, 2021). The
pause in our lives forced on us by this global health emergency allowed people the
opportunity to question the values they had previously held. The epidemic showed the whole
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world how precarious life can be. After months in lockdown, many people are beginning to
demand more from their work as opposed to just a paycheck (HSU, 2021). People want to
work in a job that brings them fulfilment, joy, flexibility and happiness along with good
remuneration. People now see the value of having a community and having the time to enjoy
their community. People now value the time spent with their families and loved ones even
more. In April 2021 alone the United States saw a record 4 million resignations (HSU, 2021).
The lockdown also saw a rise in remote work (FONTINELLE, 2022). Employees enjoyed the
freedom and flexibility this afforded them and with employers requiring them to return to
officers, a lot of them have chosen this moment to explore their options (FONTINELLE,
2022). This collective change in the way individuals think about their work and how it fits into
their lives will force employers to reconsider the demands they place on their workers (HSU,
2021). Companies will have to reevaluate the work schedules of their employees; they have
to consider remote work as a viable option and finally they have to put the mental and
emotional well being of the employees at the top of their list of priorities (FONTINELLE,
2022).
The measures put in place by governments to combat the spread of COVID-19 and flatten
the curve of transmission have had some unintended consequences on individuals.
According to the WHO the pandemic has triggered a 25% increase in anxiety and
depression around the world (COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of
anxiety and depression worldwide, 2022). The cause of this dramatic rise in depression and
anxiety has been attributed to a combination of various factors. One of them, loneliness,
brought about by the requirement for social isolation due to the lockdown; fear of infection;
fear of death of oneself and loved ones; fear of losing one’s livelihood, and the lack of
access to support and community (COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence
of anxiety and depression worldwide, 2022). Children and young adults have lost access to
the school and university communities respectively, and parents to their work communities.
All important social networks for a person’s mental and emotional well-being. In a survey
from June 2020, 13% of adults in the United States reported new or increased substance
use due to COVID-19 related stress and anxiety (Panchal, Kamal, Cox and Garfield, 2022).
There is also growing evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to
combat the spread of the virus have led to an increase in domestic violence (KLUGER,
2021). According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine and the United Nations
group UN woman, since the beginning of the pandemic instances of domestic violence have
increased dramatically around the world (KLUGER, 2021). In Hubei Province of China, there
was a 300% increase; 25% in Argentina; 30% in Cyprus; 33% in Singapore; 50% in Brazil.
Calls to the domestic violence hotline in the UK increased by 200% when compared to
before the lockdown (KLUGER, 2021). Social distancing, stay at home orders and other
measures put in place to combat the spread of the virus have meant that victims of
domestic violence abuse find help and support difficult to come by (KLUGER, 2021). What is
most troubling is that given the nature of the measures put in place by the authorities, victims
find themselves in close proximity to their abusers for extended periods of time with no
opportunities for respite.
In response to the epidemic governments across the world took steps to limit the spread of
the virus, these included lockdowns, mask mandate ,social distancing, the closing of nonessential businesses and Covid vaccine passes. These restrictions were met with
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widespread protests from individuals. People across the world thought that the government
was overstepping its mandate, encroaching on their civil liberties and their basic freedoms.
Individuals argued that the state had no authority to restrict their movement, or to hinder their
ability to earn a living (Covid: Huge protests across Europe over new restrictions, 2021). In
Belgium tens of thousands took to the streets to voice their discontent about the requirement
for vaccinations to enter certain venues. In November 2021 the Netherlands imposed a three
week partial lockdown on the back of rising Covid cases, this was met by violent
demonstrations and widespread unrest (Covid: Dutch partial Covid lockdown sparks
protests, 2021). Similar situations occurred in Croatia, France and Italy. There have also
been protests against COVID-19 restrictions in Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia and
the USA (Covid: Huge protests across Europe over new restrictions, 2021). Individuals
around the world have questioned the authority of the state to impose such draconian
restrictions on their daily lives during the public health emergency. individuals have seen life
as they knew it disappear almost overnight and freedoms that were taken for granted have
been taken away in an instant. It is important for individuals to question the authority of the
government, to use freedom of expression to show their discontent or support for the state's
actions. Political discord is a sign of a healthy and functioning democracy. The widespread
resistance shown by people towards COVID-19 restrictions and the unforeseen
consequences of these measures have forced governments to look for other solutions to
combat the spread of the virus, moreover it has placed considerable importance on ensuring
the vaccine rollout is quick, efficient and equitable. Thus avoiding further lockdowns and
unnecessary restrictions on the civil liberties of already frustrated citizens. Moreover,
preventing further mutations of the virus.
The South African government responded early and swiftly to the epidemic. President
Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster in line with the disaster management act, therefore
allowing the government to place extensive limitations on the lives of South Africans to
combat the spread of the virus (South Africa’s Response to the Covid-19, 2021). The state of
disaster meant that the government could make laws that in normal times would be
considered a violation of people’s basic freedoms. The government implemented a nation
wide lockdown, prohibiting non-essential movement. Citizens could only leave their homes
for essentials like medication, food, health emergencies, and essential work. travel between
provinces and districts was prohibited. All gatherings with the exception of funerals were
limited to 50 people. Schools and higher education institutions were closed. Moreover,
mandatory testing was required for people suspected of having COVID-19 or being a close
contact of a person who had tested positive for COVID-19 (South Africa’s Response to the
Covid-19, 2021). When confirmed positive, a person could not refuse treatment, isolation or
quarantine. With regards to the financial measures taken to soften the impact of these
measures, the government of South Africa also requested a $750 million loan from the World
Bank to help with its COVID-19 response, the loan was granted (Mahlaka, 2022). The
government provided economic relief to struggling citizens in the form of a R350 social grant
(CLUSTER, 2021). Assistance could be in the form of a food parcel, food voucher or cash.
The government also provided economic relief to small businesses, spaza shops, to the
agricultural industry, the tourism sector and to employees who are at risk of losing their jobs
or incomes (CLUSTER, 2021). These economic measures took the form of business loans,
debt relief, working capital, tax relief, and UIF support (CLUSTER, 2021).
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The United States government provided unprecedented economic support for the American
public and physical stimulus for the economy to soften the impact of the pandemic (Alpert,
2022). It took various policy steps to provide financial relief to businesses and individuals
(Alpert, 2022). The government provided eviction and foreclosure moratoriums, Paycheque
protection, student loan breaks and stimulus payments directly to American citizens (Alpert,
2022). The Federal Reserve instituted an expansionary policy in line with much of the global
community, cutting interest rates and keeping them low to stimulate economic growth and
activity (Alpert, 2022). In total the US government spent in dollars in response to the
economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. not quite the u-shaped recovery, but the
US economy largely recovered from the initial depression caused by the epidemic.
After the first cases of the virus were reported in Wuhan, China by a doctor who tried to
sound the alarm, the whistleblower was silenced and persecuted. Thus the Chinese
government failed to take decisive action (Ward, 2020). A decision that would prove costly
for the entire global in light of the looming once in a generation epidemic. Consequently, the
rest of the world lost the opportunity to get ahead of the spread of the virus and prepare
their populations for the outbreak (Ward, 2020). With the rest of the world distracted by the
global health emergency China used the opportunity to crack down on the pro-democracy
movement in Hong Kong (Ward, 2020). On the 18th April 2019 dozens of pro-democracy
activists and lawmakers were arrested (Ward, 2020). The Communist party used the COVID
-19 epidemic as a cover to oppress the people of Hong Kong, further entrenching
authoritarian rule and ending all hopes of a free and independent Hong Kong in the near
future.
The covid-19 epidemic has had geopolitical consequences and brought about an end to
decades of uninterrupted globalisation and increasing connectivity in the global community.
post pandemic the world is less connected by Trade and by travel (Stauffer, 2020).
Countries have closed the borders to international travel, many countries have faced supply
chain constraints. The pandemic has shown the US that it has to disentangle its economy
from its heavy reliance on trade with China. China and US relations have continued to
deteriorate following the fallout regarding the origins of the virus. Chinese propaganda has
been working on overdrive with its global disinformation campaign to shift the blame away
from them, making unsubstantiated claims that the virus originated in America (Ward, 2020).
Then President of the United States, Trump repeatedly blamed China for the global health
crisis, highlighting its failure to notify the world early on about the virus, even going as far as
to call COVID-19 the Chinese virus (Peters, 2022). The USA has been absent on the
geopolitical stage owing to Trump's America first policy even before the pandemic. China
has used this absence to increase its influence and further its interests in the global
geopolitical arena. China has provided assistance in the form of medical aid and vaccines,
attached with a quid pro quo (Lin and Funaiole, 2021). At times requiring a public
acceptance of the aid given and the support of China’s interests going forward (Lin and
Funaiole, 2021). As part of its propaganda campaign, China has also trumpeted the
success of its one-party system in handling the epidemic as opposed to the divided and
disjointed response seen in Western liberal democracies like the USA (Stauffer, 2020). The
growing tensions between China and the United States only serves to divide the global
community into two spheres of influence. Consequently preventing Corporation amongst
the global community over the various existential crises facing civilization like a future
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pandemic, the climate crisis and nuclear war. A divided global community poses an
existential threat to civilisation.
In conclusion, to see that all three levels ,the individual, state and local level were deeply
intertwined in their responses to the COVID-19 epidemic. Actions taken on each level
influenced the actions on the other levels. No decisions are ever taken in vacuum. Moreover,
it is clear to see the importance of individual decisions and the capacity of individuals to
influence the state and invariably the geopolitical landscape.
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