There has been much talk lately about how the world might change after the coronavirus pandemic has passed, ranging from discussions about our work habits and travel habits to discussions about our welfare system and the environment. Yet, there has been less discussion about how the coronavirus pandemic might change the current dynamics within the international system.
The coronavirus pandemic has the potential to change many aspects of the international system, such as the global economy, migration patterns, and international institutions. More specifically, the coronavirus pandemic could alter the dynamics of the international system and could alter relations among states.
The role of China during this crisis is worth considering in detail. As is well known, China has the second-largest economy in the world and is a significant actor within the international system. As is also well known, it has been trying to expand its influence in the international system for some time. Therefore, its response to this crisis is important because it is likely to impact how it is perceived by other states. A change in how China is perceived following the crisis is significant because it could alter the current dynamics of the international system.
Following the coronavirus crisis, China’s reputation could improve or it could decline. If its reputation declines, this is unlikely to significantly change the dynamics of the international system. However, if its reputation improves this could set China up to assume a leadership role within the international system, which could have wide-ranging implications.
One might argue that China’s reputation may decline as a result of how it has dealt with the coronavirus crisis. For example, some may argue that China originally concealed the true extent of the virus when it first broke out and that China may have manipulated the statistics regarding the number of infections and deaths within China. Those that believe this may argue that these actions will result in China being regarded as irresponsible and secretive. If this is how China is perceived after the coronavirus crisis then its reputation may decline and it would be less likely its position within the international system improves.
However, in contrast, one might argue that China’s reputation will improve after the coronavirus crisis has passed due to the perception that it dealt with its coronavirus outbreak fairly efficiently and due to the support it has offered to other countries. That China was able to manage the crisis within its own country fairly effectively is impressive because it was the first country to have to manage an outbreak of the coronavirus. Indeed, it was not fortunate enough to have time to prepare like other countries. So, having managed the crisis within its own country fairly effectively, it has demonstrated to the world that it can manage unexpected national crises fairly efficiently and quickly. Of course, one may argue that the techniques that China used to manage the coronavirus were forceful and perhaps inhumane, but that does take away from the efficiency with which China dealt with the problem.
Also, as mentioned, after dealing with its coronavirus outbreak, China supported other countries in their fight against the coronavirus. For example, it has donated equipment, supplies and medical aid to other countries. As reported in the Guardian, China has previously donated coronavirus testing kits to Cambodia, sent planeloads of ventilators, masks and medics to Italy and France, pledged to help the Philippines, Spain and other countries, and deployed medics to Iran and Iraq. And, yesterday, it was announced that China has provided 300 ventilators to the UK and it has donated 1,000 ventilators to the State of New York. In addition, yesterday Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will receive “millions” of masks from China within the next 48 hours. China’s decision to provide support to other countries is more impressive given it has faced criticism recently from other countries and leaders. One pertinent example of this criticism is Trump’s ‘Chinese virus’ comment. By offering resources and aid to other countries, China has highlighted to the world how well equipped it is and also that it is willing and able to help other states during a crisis. These two factors, its resources and willingness to help, signal to the world it is capable of assuming a leadership role within the international system.
So, China’s reputation may improve as a result of its response to the coronavirus crisis. If China’s reputation does improve, this would be significant as it could enable China to assume a leadership role within the international system. What the coronavirus pandemic has shown is that there is a lack of leadership in the international system and a lack of coordination and cooperation among states. While states have largely adopted similar responses to tackle the coronavirus crisis, there has not been a distinct and coordinated response from states nor has there been one state that has assumed a leadership role throughout the crisis. Importantly, following the coronavirus crisis, states around the world may deem that China’s response to the coronavirus crisis was effective and supportive and they may start to look to China for leadership moving forward.
Of course, it remains to be seen how China’s reputation will be affected following the coronavirus crisis as this pandemic is still ongoing. Yet, if China’s reputation does improve following its response to the coronavirus crisis, this could have wide-ranging implications for the international system.
The politics blog 