QF’S Doha Debates explores how Covid-19 could change world
Latest episode of Course Correction podcast series focuses on global impact of coronavirus pandemic
ISSUES concerning the effect of the global coronavirus pandemic on our world, the effects of decisions being made now, and how the future might change have been discussed in the latest edition of the Doha Debates Course Correction podcast series.
Course Correction has been produced by the Qatar Foundation’s development to expose key global problems through the eyes of experts and thinkers who strive to make a difference. In a special coronavirus-focused segment, host Nelufar Hedayat gauged the views of Parag Khanna, a leading global strategy advisor specialising in international relations, and Dr Jason Hickel, Economic Anthropologist.at the University of London.
“I am based in London, and there is an incredible amount of frustration here,” said Dr. Hickel, speaking about his experiences of the impact of COVID-19 on the UK and the world.
“It is becoming increasingly apparent that the new Western liberal model of governance is being shown to be farcical, in comparison to what East Asian countries are able to accomplish in terms of governance in the public interest, public health, and protecting lives.
“I think this is, in some way, the final nail in the coffin of the legitimacy of the new liberal system in the West. The question is whether we will be able to learn from these mistakes or not.”
Speaking about how East Asians countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have tackled the virus in comparison to other countries, Khanna said: “We still do not know what the impact will be in these countries.
“The fact that the virus spreads so fast is an important reminder of how connected we are, but you can’t be so sure that everything will simply be fine in these countries next week.
“All our economies are relatively open. If Singapore wants to go back to business, that means letting people in, so I believe we are nowhere near the stage where we can say that Asia has got it right.”
Hedayat also spoke about the effects of coronavirus from a social aspect, and her personal experience saying: “I have a neighbour who suffers from several health issues, and I worry for her every day that she might get the virus and it might affect her. She does not have anyone to look after her.
“I think this virus is changing us on a personal and behavioural level, and it is changing us as communities”.
Doha Debates launched Course Correction as part of a new platform that includes live event debate series, multimedia videos, blogs, and a portal that facilitates live video discussions with people around the world on key global issues. Visit www.dohadebates.com/ listen to view the podcast.