The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global High-Tech Challenge at the Interface of Science, Politics, and Illusions

The COVID-19 Pandemic is a global high-tech challenge at the interface of science, politics, and illusions. It was the first pandemic in the Internet era, with no global political leadership and the US politically paralyzed. Russia and China hoped to gain diplomatic profile, but their vaccines are of limited efficacy. The European Union did not order enough vaccines in time and is setting up another bureaucratic institution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a formidable global challenge at the intersection of science, politics, and illusions. It is widely recognized as the first pandemic to unfold in the era of the internet, resulting in a relentless stream of reports, news, and updates that have permeated our daily lives. Since its inception, the world has been grappling with a lack of cohesive global political leadership, with the United States experiencing political paralysis and Russia and China seeking to enhance their diplomatic standing through their vaccines, albeit with limited efficacy and trust concerns. The European Union, despite initial shortcomings in vaccine procurement, has taken legal action against a major manufacturer for delivery delays.

While the pharmaceutical and life science industry has played a crucial role in navigating this crisis, it has not received widespread acclaim for its efforts. It would be simplistic to attribute the mistakes of governments and leaders solely to stupidity. However, a deeper exploration is necessary to understand how illusions, blind spots, and inherent flaws in contemporary perception, science, inertia, arrogance, conflicts of interest, competition among individuals, and states and institutions for public recognition have contributed to a multitude of flawed assessments and direct errors.

This book serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of humankind's response to the COVID-19 challenge. It presents key conclusions that are essential for navigating the complexities of this unprecedented crisis. By examining the interplay between science, politics, and illusions, this book offers insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we strive to overcome this global health crisis.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323991490