Covid-19

Henry Kissinger expresses his assessment that the global coronavirus pandemic could change the planet forever through an article in the Wall Street Journal.

The former US Secretary of State compares the current situation to the years of World War II. "Back then, American resilience was built on a foundation of a higher national purpose. Now, in a divided country, an effective and visionary government is needed to overcome obstacles of unprecedented magnitude and global scope," the former US Secretary of State characteristically states.

He adds: “When the pandemic is over, the institutions of many states will be considered failures. Whether this position is objective is irrelevant. The reality is that the world will never be the same again after coronavirus. Arguing about the past now simply makes it harder to do what needs to be done.”

"The ultimate test," however, according to the former head of American diplomacy, "will be whether the spread of the virus can be stopped and then its containment achieved, on a scale that will allow Americans to have confidence in their government."

The effort to manage the crisis, he says, although great and difficult, should not sideline the task of having a parallel process for how we will move into the post-coronavirus era.

Drawing lessons from the Marshall Plan and the “Manhattan Project,” the US will have the obligation to undertake a major effort in three areas, he adds.

First, to support global resilience against the pandemic. Second, they must overcome their resilience in order to heal the wounds of the global economy. Finally, as a third area and condition, the former US Secretary of State sets the preservation of the principles of the liberal world order.

"The pandemic has triggered an anachronism, a revival of the city with protective walls in an era when progress depends entirely on global trade and the movement of people," he says characteristically.

As the American politician points out, democratic states must defend and preserve the values ​​of the Enlightenment. He also believes that a solution to the great issue of power and legitimacy cannot be found at the same time as the effort to defeat the pandemic. "The historic challenge for leaders is to manage the crisis while building for the next day. Failure can set the world on fire..", he concludes.

Source: KATHIMERINI