Covid lessons

What caught my attention most in Richard Shaw’s comment (Chronicle, December 24) was his reference to the role our institutions must play in 2021 if we are to learn any political lessons from the Covid crisis. Will our “scientific, cultural, political and administrative institutions” work for us in the future – or will they “snapback into conventional shape?”

Crises can unite us as well as foster new thinking about how we govern ourselves and our financial system. But the siren call of “normality” can be all too enticing.

After World War II, economic development models abounded – all aimed at solving devastation and poverty in both Europe and what were called the LDCs (lesser developed countries). The World Bank and NGOs invested heavily in Asia and Africa but it was the

Marshall Plan, adopted in Europe, which met with rapid success. A major reason was that European key institutions were still intact, having matured over many centuries, while so many LDCs lacked this advantage. The Marshall Plan had an institutional template underpinning recovery – proving advantageous to both capitalist and communist interests.

With banking and trade talks back on the political agenda, it is vital we keep track and expand on some of the self-sufficiency gains we have made. As Shaw asserts “...we need the vision, political leadership and moral fortitude to ensure this country really is a team for five million”.

HEATHER MARION SMITH

Gonville