Shaping the post-COVID-19 world together

Issue briefs and reports

Jul 7, 2020

What world post-COVID-19? Three scenarios

By Mathew Burrows, Peter Engelke

A preliminary look at the geopolitical implications of the pandemic and possible directions for the global system after the still-unfolding crisis.

Coronavirus G20
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about the series:

Shaping the post-COVID-19 world together Scenario 1:
Great accelerator downwards Scenario 2:
China first Scenario 3:
New Renaissance

Taking stock: Where are geopolitics headed in the COVID-19 era?

Taking stock: Where are geopolitics headed in the COVID-19 era? The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed pressure points in the global order and threatens to unravel the rules-based international system. This paper examines the geopolitical implications of the pandemic by identifying key strategic shocks and tensions exacerbated by the virus. It also identifies uncertainties for the global order and provides policy recommendations for how the United States and its allies should address the pandemic.

A global strategy for shaping the post-COVID-19 world

The COVID-19 pandemic is an acute public health and economic crisis that is further destabilizing an already weakened rules-based international system. With cooperation, determination, and resolve, however, the United States and its allies can recover from the crisis and revitalize an adapted rules-based system to bring about decades of future freedom, peace, and prosperity.

What World Post-COVID-19

This paper is a preliminary look at the geopolitical implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and sketches three scenarios for the possible direction of the global system post-COVID-19.

Defense, survival, and fiction: Implications of COVID-19

Max Brooks joins the Scowcroft Center for a virtual ‘fireside chat’ on the lessons of fiction for disaster preparedness, pandemic prevention, and national defense in the era of COVID-19.

China’s COVID-19 statistics resemble horrific past

The curious spikes in confirmed cases in China following changes in leadership or policy events evokes the terrible statistical manipulation and suffering of the Great Leap Forward.
Atlantic Council’s Coronavirus coverage

The Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and the world.

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Content

In the News

Jun 12, 2020

Preble and Burrows in the National Interest: The urgent need to adjust America’s approach to the world

By Atlantic Council

Assessing the use of the military and relying on other capabilities shaping the future. Read more about our experts

Coronavirus National Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2020

NATO secretary general unveils his vision for the Alliance’s future

By David A. Wemer

On June 8, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg laid out his plans for a new period of reflection on the Alliance’s mission and structure over the next ten years. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated certain security threats to member states, including “unabated” Russian military activity, the spread of disinformation and propaganda, and the disruptive ascendance of China, NATO “must stay strong militarily, be more united politically, and take a broader approach globally,” he stated.

Coronavirus NATO

In the News

Jun 4, 2020

Mathew Burrows briefs World Affairs Council of Oregon on scenarios for a post-COVID world

By Atlantic Council

China Coronavirus

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2020

Executive summary: The virus and global order

By Jeffrey Cimmino, Matthew Kroenig, and Barry Pavel

The COVID-19 pandemic is having dramatic effects on everyday life, but its geopolitical implications could prove to be even more profound. The pandemic is exacerbating and unleashing pressure points in the global order, including intensified US-China competition, that could fundamentally reshape geopolitics.

China Coronavirus

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2020

Taking stock: Where are geopolitics headed in the COVID-19 era?

By Jeffrey Cimmino, Matthew Kroenig, and Barry Pavel

The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed pressure points in the global order and threatens to unravel the rules-based international system. This paper examines the geopolitical implications of the pandemic by identifying key strategic shocks and tensions exacerbated by the virus. It also identifies uncertainties for the global order and provides policy recommendations for how the United States and its allies should address the pandemic.

China Coronavirus

In the News

May 30, 2020

Robert Manning in TRT World Now on the US decision to revoke Hong Kong special status

By Atlantic Council

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

May 29, 2020

Trump has escalated his confrontation with China. Here’s what that means.

By David A. Wemer

During a news conference at the White House on May 29, US President Donald J. Trump rebuked China for its response to the coronavirus pandemic and alleged violation of Hong Kong’s sovereignty. The US president argued that China’s behavior has endangered US economic interests and national security.

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

May 29, 2020

National Guard’s COVID-19 response combines civilian skillsets with unique military utility

By Katherine Golden

The US National Guard is stepping up their COVID-19 response with food banks, testing sites, nursing homes, and personal protective equipment distribution across the United States. “What makes us particularly effective in relation to the COVID-19 response is the unique, very deep connections with our communities and our homelands,” the Chief of the National Guard Bureau General Joseph L. Lengyel said.

Coronavirus Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

May 28, 2020

Coronavirus should spur DoD to build back resilience and agility

By John F. Wharton and Tate Nurkin

A layered and targeted response is required to meet the proximate challenges to the defense and dual-use supply chain, which is critical to national security. This crisis, as terrible as it is, may be the catalyst for taking steps today that are necessary to build the supply chain resilience and industry agility required to meet future national crises.

Coronavirus Defense Industry

New Atlanticist

May 27, 2020

COVID-19 will not change Italy’s Euro-Atlantic position, defense minister says

By Francesco Bechis

"Many countries have shown solidarity toward Italy in an extraordinary situation. We talk to everyone, but the pillars of our security are NATO and the European Union, and these shall remain," Guerini said.

Coronavirus Italy
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