Balkans Face Same Problems, Only Worse, Once Pandemic Ends

Its decision to stop funding the WHO over its handling of the coronavirus is not only regrettable but may have a lasting, devastating, impact on global health endeavors.

The second thesis is that, after an initial "Chernobyl-style" response, China is stepping up as a global leader in the pandemic. It is positioning itself as a strong supporter of the WHO, promoting itself as a world provider of humanitarian assistance and touting the success and superiority of its state measures in curbing the outbreak.

The third thesis is that the Chinese lockdown may have been draconian, but its strategy seems to have worked. Many leaders, particularly authoritarian ones, look with admiration at China as a role model. The coronavirus outbreak has prompted them to believe that it may reshape the global order, as democracy has proven "ineffective in the case of crisis".

But things are often different to what we think. In fact, democratic systems in Germany, New Zealand, Canada, Finland and South Korea, to mention some, have proven efficient both in coping with the challenges of the virus and in upholding democratic standards.

In the EU, Germany surely stands out as a good example. At a time when many believed her star was fading, Chancellor Angela Merkel demonstrated the necessary resolve and ability to handle the mayhem. Her public approval rating has jumped to what a few months ago would have been an unbelievable 80 per cent.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, Germany, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/MAJA HITIJ / POOL

In the Balkans, if anybody stands out as a good story, it is Greece. For years, Athens has been seen widely as an EU trouble maker, but its handling of the coronavirus crisis has come as a positive surprise. Not only did it ...