Covid-19 amplifies trends that undermine the international order. The world was already entering a bipolar system prior to the pandemic, and that future is unchanged: the
United States and China will remain the world's superpowers for the foreseeable future.
But the virus does create a strong inward focus among national elites. This, in turn, stokes deglobalization and nationalism, thereby causing
decoupling and strengthening different spheres of influence. While Covid may not usher in a completely new world order, it has certainly unleashed forces with important implications for international relations.
This article originally appeared in Aspenia International 89–90, October 2020.
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Cliff Kupchan is Eurasia Group's chairman, as well as director of research and leader of the firm's global macro coverage. Cliff has held high-level positions in the US government and regularly meets top foreign leaders. He provides cutting-edge insights on political risk.
Cardboard cutouts of US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping wearing face masks. REUTERS.
