Global Security in Times of Covid-19: Brave New World?

Description

Written in the middle of a pandemic, this book examines the effect of COVID-19 on regional and global security threats in the first 18 months of the crisis. Throughout history, epidemics have disrupted human civilisations, changed the structure of societies, decided the outcome of wars and prompted incredible technological innovation. Despite massive progress in science, institution-building and cooperation over the past 100 years, COVID-19 has revealed the weaknesses of a world under-prepared for a new disease – that had been widely expected and long overdue! This edited volume brings together leading security experts from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East to share their analysis of the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on major security threats, including the rise of terrorists and criminal networks and global power politics. The book highlights important lessons learnt from all corners of the planet, in particular the need for cross-sectional, regional and international cooperation and solidarity when it comes to facing any transnational security threat that does not respect political boundaries. Foreword: COVID-19 and Security How Has COVID-19 Undermined Security? International Cooperation The Domestic Front Key Examples Questions of Corruption, Climate Change and Inequality Conclusion Bibliography Acknowledgements Praise for Global Security in Times of Covid-19 Contents List of Contributors Acronyms List of Figures List of Tables 1 Introduction Introduction COVID and Global Security The Social Contract and State Failure The Rise of Violent Non-state Actors A Return to Realpolitik Human Security Conclusion Bibliography 2 Latin America: The Covid-19 Pandemic and Security in Latin America Introduction COVID-19 and Latin America Security Before the Pandemic State Capture And the State? Public Security and the State Conclusion Bibliography 3 The American Century in the Wake of COVID Introduction Beijing: The Global Challenger Re-Engaging Europe: Repairing and Re-Energizing Old Relationships The Iranian Question, a Chance to Reinforce Arms Control? Conclusion Bibliography 4 Europe: A Geographical Expression or Unity of Purpose? Introduction Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Great Power Competition Common Security Concerns in the MENA Region Russia Saving the Iran Nuclear Deal Shrinking Military Might: Putting the Emphasis on Multinational Cooperation Preserving the Defense Industry Deal or no Deal: A Rocky But Long-Standing Partnership Mind the Gap—Britain and Europe's Security Interests May Drift Apart Rule Britannia—The Impact of Boris Johnson The Future of the JCPoA China and the “Special Relationship” Conclusion Bibliography 5 Africa, Virus and Vulnerability: COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa Introduction Competing Narratives on COVID 19 and Africa’s Future Alarmist Perspective Optimist Perspective Underlying Vulnerability of Africa to COVID-19 High Debt Burden Dependence on Commodity Export Decrepit Health System Economic Marginality Responses of African States to COVID-19 Pandemic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Security and Stability in Africa Conclusion Bibliography 6 Long COVID and the New Middle East Introduction A Middle East of Parts Fateful Years in the Middle East: 2020 and 2021 Balance of Power United States of America Russia The EU27 and UK China The Impact on Alliances What Next in the New Middle East Bibliography 7 The Securitization of the Coronavirus in Asian Countries: A Paradox of National Security and Human Security During the COVID-19 Crisis Introduction Securitizing COVID-19: The Success of the Asian Countries’ Responses The Screening of Travelers The Establishment of COVID-19 Management Centre The Announcement of States of Emergency The Development of a Digital Platform Impacts of Securitization on Human Security Impact on the Political and Personal Dimension Impact on the Economic Dimension Conclusion Bibliography 8 Europe and the New World Order Introduction The State of European Defense and Cooperation A Growing Atlantic Rift and the Rise of Russia and China Conflict and Insecurity in a Multipolar World European Disintegration in the Wake of COVID-19 Conclusion Bibliography 9 The Social Contract and Civil Unrest: The Tenuous Balance Between Freedom and Security Introduction Global Considerations Belarus Chile China France Russia The United Kingdom The United States Institutionalized Discrimination and Routinization of Violence Two “Celebrated” Cases COVID-19, the Social Contract, and Agenda Setting The Problem with a Micro-Level Perspective Protests, Responses by Police, and Organizational Change in Law Enforcement Training Defunding Department Organization Conclusion Bibliography 10 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Landscape of Terrorism Introduction Radicalization Propaganda (Top-Down Supply) Politicization (Bottom-Up Demand) Terrorist Attacks Classic Insurgency Islamist Terrorism in Europe Non-Islamist Terrorism Bioterrorism Counter Terrorism Short-Term View Medium-Term View Long-Term View Conclusion Bibliography 11 Organized Crime During and After the Pandemic Introduction Adaptable Criminal Entrepreneurs COVID-19’s Impact on Crime Cybercrime Fraud Counterfeiting and Sales of Sub-standard Goods COVID-19’s Impact on Law Enforcement Criminals or Local Heroes? Examples of Criminal Service-Provision During the Pandemic The Post-pandemic Landscape Laundering of Criminal Proceeds Cybercrime and Sales of Counterfeit Medical Supplies Criminal Recruitment Smuggling and Trafficking of Persons Corruption Unrest Going Back to ‘Normal’ Conclusion Bibliography 12 Health Intelligence Systems and Security Introduction Mortuaries Management in London: A Case Study Health Data Systems in the UK Conclusion Bibliography 13 Brave New World Conclusion Science for Good and Bad Why We Need Strong Institutions Security Trends Ahead Bibliography Index