How Covid-19 Could Impact International Affairs

The transcript discusses the varied impact of COVID-19 on global leadership, highlighting differences in success based on governance types and social trust rather than dictatorship or democracy. It examines reopening strategies in Europe, noting political and health-related factors. The discussion also covers China's role and perception in the pandemic's aftermath, considering the US's withdrawal from international discussions.

Which European leader is mentioned as having been successful in handling the virus?

• Pedro Sánchez

• Emmanuel Macron

• Angela Merkel

• Boris Johnson

What was initially thought to be a factor in a country's success in handling the virus?

• Economic strength

• Type of government

• Military power

• Geographical location

What is identified as a more important factor than government type in handling the virus?

• Geographical size

• Economic policies

• Military strength

• Social trust

Why are reopening strategies different across European countries?

• Economic disparities

• Different virus impacts and political factors

• Cultural differences

• Geographical barriers

What was a significant issue in the UK's handling of the virus?

• Early lockdown

• Lack of testing

• Over-reliance on technology

• Slow lockdown

What is one reason for the suspicion around China's handling of the virus?

• Lack of international aid

• Initial suppression of the virus story

• Over-reporting of cases

• Rapid vaccine development

What international role might China assume due to the US's withdrawal?

• Controlling global media narratives

• Dominating military alliances

• Filling the international discussion vacuum

• Leading global economic recovery