Covid-19 Shock and the U.S.-China Rivalry

This study examines the impacts of Covid-19 on existing interstate rivalries, focusing on the U.S.-China rivalry. Traditionally, rival states set aside their ideological and political differences to form alliances in the face of shared threats. In such cases, the cost of confronting a common enemy alone often outweighs the benefits of maintaining ideological purity. The Covid-19 pandemic posed significant security and economic challenges, exposing vulnerabilities, instilling fear, and giving new salience to international borders. At this critical juncture, it was expected that the great powers, would set aside their differences and cooperate. However, this study argues that the great powers failed to utilize their joint capabilities and scientific knowledge to contain the threat because intense security competition superseded the conception of cooperation. Furthermore, it contends that the systemic shock forced them to change their behavior, as the anarchic system afforded them an opportunity to pursue and protect their strategic interests

Adversary · Aside · Competition (biology · Ideology · Politics · Salience (neuroscience · Set-aside · Shock (circulatory · COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing · Global Security and Public Health · Legal, Health, Environmental and COVID-19 Challenges