Mishra, Sitakanta (2020), The Post-Pandemic World Order: Nine Pointers, US: IndraStra Global
Dr. Aradhana Talwar
The book “The Post Pandemic World Order: Nine Pointers” is authored by Dr. Sitakanta Mishra, Associate Professor in International Relations at School of Liberal Studies, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University in Gujarat (India). Published in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic (New York: IndraStra Global, 2020) the book highlights the worst calamity’s spell on the global order in vogue. The author provides a breath-taking overview about the key features of the post pandemic world order and the role of Asian powers – India and China in this “New World Order,” which is being germinated at present.
Dr. Mishra poses certain relevant questions and issues that are garnering the attention of policy-makers across the globe in the times of Coronavirus. He aptly points out the lacunae in the present world system while fighting the deadly virus. He believes that the existing global powers, especially the US and European nations, have failed to display their capability in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis due to mismanaged governance and ineffective leadership. The current world order characterized with the supremacy of Bretton Wood system was already in decline which is further aggravated by the current pandemic. All these factors are what make the author believe that “the world order has faltered.” In other words, these “irreparable fractures”, more visible in the present situation of the pandemic, have led to a “power vacuum” or paucity of global leadership, which in turn has fostered changes in domestic, regional and international dynamics. This has given rise to what he refers as “broad pointers of the post COVID-19 world order.” These key nine pointers or features of the new world order, which may surface eventually, form the core of this informative book.
The author has made certain interesting observations by describing the different variables, that is, the political, security and social elements of the post COVID-19 world order. In terms of political variable, Dr. Mishra believes that there will be an “alternative world order,” which is gradually unfolding. In other words, contrary to the popular narratives by the West and the initial hiccups in China, he opines that the influence of China in global politics has grown as it has demonstrated its capability through effective methods such as social distancing norms, the practice of quarantine, travel halt, etc. In a way, China has shown its own model and has set up “a new standard” for the countries of the world that are scrambling and failing miserably in fighting the pandemic. The author, therefore, believes that the notion of China becoming weak in global politics due to Coronavirus is a sham and is “shortsighted.” In this alternative world order, he also opines that there will be alteration in alliances in global politics depending upon the assistance levels provided during the pandemic and the different conspiracy theories making a round at present regarding the origin and “intention behind” the spread of this deadly virus.
Speculating on the future political scenario, the author further makes an attempt to describe the discernible changes in the type of polity and governance structures that the future holds. Based upon the assessment of the success of the countries at present, the author feels that there will be increasing legitimacy of authoritarian type of regimes. The author has argued that polity characterized by authoritarian traits have been able to provide instant response and implemented policies to fight the virus. Further, he suggests that, due to inherent inconsistencies and challenges associated with the democratic governments, the latter should take cue from the functioning of authoritarian regimes like China by introducing an element of what he calls as “benevolent despotism” in their respective structures of governance to fight COVID-19.
Analyzing deeper the political variable, the author has provided the readers with an interesting perspective that the present changes will lead to the emergence of Globalization 2.0 process. He states that COVID-19 has put to test all the essential features of globalization phenomena and that there will be a “re-globalized world” wherein the phase of “hyper-globalization” has begun to fade. In other words, post COVID-19, the nations will see the overhaul of their respective political systems, expansion and growth of the militaries and distinct supply chains. In his opinion, there will be rise of autocratic model in the background of increasing discontentment of the middle-class against their respective democracies and enlargement of the gap between the haves and have-nots coupled with “engendered nativism and populism.”
These political shifts will inevitably have implications for security variable wherein the author reminds that the nuclear race is also viewed within the framework of biological warfare, which has been brought to light in the present pandemic and the conspiracy theories surrounding it. In this context, he feels the need for “a permanent bio-defence force” that will be a key element in national and global security policies. The date of 9th Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, which was originally to be held on November 2021, will be advanced to assess the origin of the pandemic. Further, according to the author, the post COVID-19 world would establish “a multilateral bio-defence regime” characterized by “mandatory compliance mechanisms” and framework to countries to formulate their respective policies to deal with the pandemic.
Touching upon the social fabric, the author suggests that there will be positive outcomes in the post COVID-19 world order wherein one will see the pre-eminence of the eastern values and cultural practices such as gesture of Namaste replacing hand-shakes, taking up vegetarianism, etc. In spite of condemnation and mockery of the eastern culture by labelling it superstitious or the narrative that the virus originated in the East, the author opines that many significant beneficial and healthy living practices have been exported from the East to the West. For instance, he cites Yoga, Ayurveda, Diya as practices or lifestyles that will gain significance in the post COVID-19 world order. The author balances by maintaining that his argument underlying the importance of the eastern culture does not imply that the western practices and culture are inferior but the criticism lashed against the East do not hold true any longer. As compared to western countries, the eastern economies are characterized by strong fundamentals and safeguards or as the author opines “inherent resilience” and the “lifestyle” that has led to a better and effective response to the crisis. However, he is certain that in the new world order, which will see rise of China as a sole superpower, will also be accompanied by increasing Xenophobia against the Chinese/ Asian population.
The author believes that the post COVID-19 situation will witness the continuation of social distancing practices and reduced mobility of people. This is because unforeseeable conditions in the near future such as natural calamity or persistent threats due to climate change will compel the nations to continue the norm of restricted migration. Moreover, due to the decreased physical connectedness and mobility, there will be surge in virtual technology leading to “virtual civilization.” However, the author has expressed his fears that the dependence on virtual technology will have implications as there will be challenges in turning the virtual into real and “prone to intense manipulation.”
The book deals with an extremely relevant topic and themes that are the top priorities of leaders across the globe. The points put forward by the author are structured, lucid and well explained. The issues raised are substantiated with logical arguments that are well researched. By providing a concise introduction to the essential features of the post Coronavirus world order, he has systematically connected the different variables and linked the present with future trajectories thereby providing a comprehensive analysis of the issue. The book is aimed at common reader as well as the content is not complex and non-technical in nature.
Unlike the many works by scholars on the issue, the author has brilliantly highlighted in detail the role played by India during the pandemic. At times when countries are unable to deal with the politico-socio-economic fallouts of the crisis, India has shown considerable resolute in playing a regional and global leader. In spite of its own domestic compulsions and challenges in terms of huge population and scarce medical resources, India has well-adjusted its national concerns and global responsibilities. India has displayed enormous proficiency and potential of that of a “superpower” as viewed by author at different platforms regionally and globally. India’s lead in organizing a SAARC Video Conference on COVID-19 in March 2019 underlined its commitment to the region and assisting the neighbouring nations in their fight. Similarly, India’s call for Virtual G-20 Leaders’ Summit in order to undertake global coordinated response demonstrated India’s shouldering of global responsibilities. The author also mentions India’s medical assistance to countries that are badly affected at times when the advanced countries are still coping with the menace. Moreover, the leadership of PM Modi has been widely acknowledged and appreciated by global leaders including the US, China and international organizations.
The author generates enormous interests when he envisions India’s position and role in the post COVID-19 world order. Being aware of India’s tilt towards the US-led global order, he has suggested that India should move beyond the US centric framework to diversify and explore global opportunities and partnerships. In other words, he firmly believes that in new world order, there should not only be competition but also “cooperation” between the two Asian powers-India and China. He believes that the current pandemic can be leveraged by them to ascend to global primacy thereby creating what he calls “Chindian World Order.” This forms the strength of the book.
The author’s ruminations are certainly compelling but he could not elaborate much on the issue of biological warfare and the need for bio-defence mechanism. He erred slightly when he over-emphasizes on the authoritarian models in the context of current discrepancies in the functioning of democracies. He could have suggested concrete solutions to the existing democracies that could be worked within the given framework. Certainly, the author has made an attempt to touch upon important aspects and issues which also make frontline stories today but has missed out on providing the possible way out to countries which are severely affected by the pandemic. In this way, the content of the book is more descriptive rather than analytical. However, in spite of the minor shortcomings, the book is a must read for anyone who is interested in the issue.
