Health security and geopolitical competition: For a more strategic view
The pandemic has transformed public health into an arena of geopolitical competition; at the same time, pandemics like covid-19 are a global challenge requiring international cooperation
Guests
Anthony Dworkin, Senior Policy Fellow, ECFR
Sandra Zampa, Head of Health, Democratic Party; Advisor for communication to the Italian Health Minister
Nicoletta Dentico, Director, Global Health Justice Program, Society for International Development
Matteo Villa, Senior Research Fellow, ISPI; Head of ISPI Data Lab
Chaired by
Teresa Coratella, Programme Manager, ECFR Rome
Covid-19 has turned health into one of the core components of national security and power – and it seems set to keep that position in the future. The pandemic has transformed public health into an arena of geopolitical competition and countries will now take a more strategic view of their capacity to produce or acquire medical goods. During the pandemic, countries have sought to benefit from deliveries of medical goods to their partners – to strengthen relations, prevent friendly countries from being at a disadvantage, or gain more direct benefits. Most of all, though, powerful countries have sought to secure access to vaccines and other goods, including through restrictions on exports or preferential agreements with suppliers. At the same time, pandemics like covid-19 are a global challenge requiring international cooperation. The task for Europe is to develop its capacity to protect its own population, but also to work to forge a better global response including the sharing of vaccines and other counter-measures, and improving preparedness for future diseases.
The private discussion forum Health security and geopolitical competition: for a more strategic view, jointly hosted by ECFR and Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, will delve into these timely issues.
As a basis for discussion, the recent ECFR publication The Power Atlas, a new tool to navigate global realities through 7 terrains of power: economics, technology, climate, people, military, health, and culture.
The debate will be under Chatham House Rule and in English.