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Covid-19 and international cooperation: IR paradigms at odds
#MMPMID34693301
Basrur R
; Kliem F
SN Soc Sci
2021[]; 1
(1
): 7
PMID34693301
show ga
The Covid-19 pandemic is a global challenge calling for a global response. But
the actual responses of states, while exhibiting considerable international
cooperation, are predominantly competitive and self-centered. This raises
important questions about the utility of our basic intellectual tools-in the form
of International Relations Theory (IRT)-for understanding the pattern of these
responses. IRT analyzes inter-state dynamics and explains the extent to which
states and institutions do or do not cooperate. This critique focuses on theories
that stress competition (realism), those that focus on cooperation (liberalism)
and those emphasising ideational constructions that could go either way
(constructivism and normative theory). It seeks to elucidate the relative
strengths of these theories-what they can tell us and what they cannot-in
understanding responses to the current pandemic. It concludes that, while all the
identified approaches have something to offer, realist theory, which highlights
the prioritization of national interests over collective action, provides the
most optimal approach for a full understanding of global responses to Covid-19.
The analysis helps draw lessons for policy responses to this and other global
crises, such as climate change.
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