The Covid Consensus: The Global Assault on Democracy and the Poor-A Critique from the Left

The Covid Consensus argues that the political mainstream's response to the pandemic, with hard lockdowns and vaccine mandates, exacerbated existing trends of inequality,mediatization, and surveillance, with grave implications for the future. It exposes the injustices and political failings that have produced the biggest crisis since the Second World War.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The political mainstream initially embraced the notion that following scientific principles, such as implementing harsh lockdowns and mandating vaccines, was the most effective strategy to safeguard lives during the early stages of the pandemic. However, social science sheds light on the devastating human toll of this policy. The Covid Consensus presents an internationalist-left perspective on the global response to Covid-19, which has had far-reaching consequences for democratic rights and the well-being of the impoverished worldwide. While the wealth of the richest individuals skyrocketed, nationwide shutdowns caused significant harm to small businesses, working classes, and the informal economies of the Global South. Gender-based violence witnessed a surge, and the mental health of young individuals suffered significant deterioration. Moreover, stringent health restrictions imposed unprecedented limitations on daily activities, requiring individuals to present proof of vaccination for participation. Toby Green and Thomas Fazi argue that these policies exacerbated existing trends of inequality, media consolidation, and surveillance, holding profound implications for the future. The Covid Consensus is rich in human narratives, providing a poignant account of the denial by the global political class and mainstream media of the full extent of the erosion of democratic processes and the socioeconomic assault on the poor. As the world navigates the aftermath of the pandemic, this left-wing reevaluation of global Covid policies uncovers the injustices and political shortcomings that have led to the most significant crisis since World War II.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 217 x 140 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787388413
Edition number: 2nd ed.