An exploration of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on world politics and economics.

The pandemic has deepened existing trends in the international system, in particular the readjustment of alliances between nations and regions. As spheres of influence disintegrate and reform, national and regional policies will change, with individual states pursuing self-preservation in unforeseen ways. This book addresses three major dimensions of the global impact of COVID-19. First, it considers the pandemic’s effects on international relations and the economy, asking whether the global economic crisis accelerated by the pandemic has major trading blocs moving to a “war economy,” and who the losers and winners might be. Second, it analyzes the growth of information communication during the pandemic, focusing on social media’s role in promoting discord through hybrid and fragmented communication and the conflicts which may thereby arise. Third, it addresses geopolitical reconfiguration. The pandemic offers world powers new opportunities to capitalize on changing power balances. As one of the first books to present research of the effects of COVID-19 on national public policy, it provides insight into the relations between states and possible solutions in the international arena. The book is essential reading for all those interested in international affairs and policymaking.