Political Science During the Pandemic

Political Science During the Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 Pandemic quickly spread in almost all countries worldwide as a frightening outbreak that worsened all countries’ economic, social, political, and social issues. Governments have been operating with uncertainties and difficulties, and over half of the world’s population has experienced lockdown. Pandemics have triggered the most severe economic crisis since the Second World War. Due to the severe economic problems brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic, many countries would not recover their output levels in 2019 until 2022. The Pandemic has dramatically speeded up some pre-existing trends, specifically digitalization. The impact of the Pandemic in terms of diseases, death rates, and hospitalization on countries’ economic activities has been different across the economic regions and countries. Various governments at all levels have quickly responded by application of place-based strategies and policy responses and implementing various reactions to the COVID-19 crisis. Countries have applied different territorial approaches, such as lockdowns and wearing masks. Many governments announced massive recovery strategies on public investments and prioritized digitalization, more robust health systems, and a shift to a carbon-neutral economy. Australia is one country that strictly applies safety measures, such as restricting free movement across the globe. Until 2021, the country forbade its citizens from traveling outside the country unless they followed strict and limited criteria. Brazilian local governments have taken different response measures to solve health issues and address the Pandemic’s economic effects. Brazil applied for economic support measures focused on supporting the financial institution’s liquidity, a capital relief scheme to help Brazilian financial institution sustain their credit flow, and giving additional loans to support real estate purchases.