The unity is needed when the external threat arise, it forces us to leave our self- interests behind and to work for common values. Currently, coronavirus outbreak is playing the role of external threat which demands the unity for the preventation. The spread of virus and its growing numbers urged World Health Organization (WHO) to declare global pandemic. This decision indicates the seriousness of the situation.
Despite of pandemic and need for unity, we can’t observe common approach to blow coronavirus. Contrariwise, we see the enlarging cracks among world powers. The passion for hegemony doesn’t allow them to quit habits of expanding influence over others.
No compromise between US and China
The two great powers of the world have been into trade war since the very years of Trump administration. The economists alarmed that this war can heavily damage the global economy. Neither the US nor China want to stop this war regarding their ambition for occupying world economy.
In the time of pandemic, it is believed that if two countries unify their efforts they can beat coronavirus globally. Nevertheless, both of them is waging struggle and no compromise is seen in the horizon. On 16 March, the US President Donald Trump called the novel coronavirus as “Chinese virus”.
The growing number of new cases in China and mainly Wuhan the epicenter of the virus decreased after the strict measures. China announced the victory over novel coronavirus. China didn’t remain silent on the US’s harsh remark. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that US has provided no fund to support China in coronavirus battle on March 21.
Although the spirit of unity is needed between two world power, they are using the situation on behalf of their national interest for beating each other.
European Union is shaking
European Union has black clouds hanging over the head since the migrant crisis and Brexit. European Union attempted to make a plan how to support Italy and Spain the countries having most cases. 27 EU leaders gathered two times within this week but they failed.
9 out of 19 Eurozone members including France and Spain demanded further steps. Germany backed by Netherlands and Austria opposed. Political analysts think that such occasions can fuel nationalism which can lead the collapse of solidarity within the Union. Coronavirus seems a great test for EU.
Iran and Russia
Despite of pandemics rivals remained as rival and allies remained as ally no difference has been observed. Iran blamed US and even accused of making biological war against them. Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei supported conspiracy theory that virus was made by US especially against its rivals such as Iran. US offered their help to Iran but rejected. Iranian authority understood this offer very suspiciously.
"Possibly your medicine is a way to spread the virus more," Khamenei rebuked US’s offer.
While US slapped Iran with fresh sanctions on certain individuals and companies, Iran urged the release of Iranian prisoners and removal of sanctions on medical equipment. Both sides didn’t give up rebuking each other stances and reaching common ground has not been possible yet.
Russia sent military personnel in order to help Italy for combating COVID-19. However, Italian newspaper La Stampa claimed that 80% of Russian aid are useless. Some group of analysts think that it is organized for increasing Russian influence over EU. Or, it is a dangerous message to EU leaders for accepting further steps in order to combat coronavirus.
Apart from this, Russia and Saudi Arabia launched oil war in this month. Russia rejected prolonging of OPEC+ deal. Two oil-rich states are waging war for the occupation of energy market.
Russia and China started to help Iran sending coronavirus tests and other equipment. Nevertheless, US State Department accused China, Russia and Iran axis of spreading disinformation about narratives of COVID-19.
Coronavirus enlarged cracks among rivals but it also pushes sides to unity for common enemy. Unfortunately, the common enemy is not epidemics or other global challenge, again it is a rival state.
Still, coronavirus has not reached its peak. World should unite efforts on global challenges such as epidemics and the pause is needed for national interests for protecting our world. The world leaders shouldn’t forget that there is only one planet that mankind could live.
In contrast to the unification, we see how much Realpolitik became popular and strong. In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, people should stay at home and should give apart their lovely habits which this action is called quarantine. It is a domestic example, if we apply the same to the international arena, so states should set quarantine on their passion for power in order to beat global problem.
By Ulvi Ahmedli