Lessons of COVID-19 for US and India: Need to invest in global public health, promote democratic norms

Both the US and India are remarkable democratic experiments and their ability to champion democratic norms and freedoms - rather than weaken them - will prove critical to global peace and prosperity in the years ahead, write Sohini Chatterjee & Swadesh Chatterjee for South Asia Monitor

Image
a

The COVID-19 pandemic has undone decades of progress in development and already led to hundreds of million people falling back into extreme poverty. One of the hard-won lessons of the catastrophic effects of the COVID-19 is this: Countries need to invest in global development. Investing in development is about addressing the challenges of wars, famines, and pandemics before they ever happen.  

The Internal Monetary Fund (IMF) just predicted the steepest decline in global economic growth in a century. The US has already spent trillions of dollars on fiscal stimulus to pull the economy out of a downturn caused by the pandemic and, in India, the pandemic has undone decades of progress on human rights and economic prosperity. 

Countries like the US and India face a very simple choice: Invest now to keep their economies from collapsing or spend far more later to try and mitigate the consequences of their collapse – global pandemics, violent conflict, extraordinary instability, and billions of people living in extreme poverty.  

Economic growth linked with public health

COVID-19 has made clear that economic growth and prosperity are inextricably linked to our efforts to support global public health.  Infectious diseases have no borders. Countries like India and the US must invest to build resilient public health systems and scale up workable interventions to achieve health security and ensure better pandemic preparedness. By developing innovative approaches to help communities through targeted investments in community health programs, a new era of stronger, better public health can be catalyzed.  

The pandemic will soon prompt another half a billion people into life-threatening poverty, force millions of young girls out of school, and devastate progress on the United Nation’s sustainable development goals.  When families are unable to meet their most basic needs, societies begin to collapse. This will lead to much more violent extremism and conflict, which can have devastating consequences, including for global prosperity and security. 

Geopolitical instability, ineffective global public health protocols, widespread human rights abuses, and inadequate or unresponsive governance systems - left unaddressed - will continue to threaten global security and worldwide economic prosperity.  

Nations interlinked

There is no means or mechanism that will undo the tides of globalization.  Despite nationalist and mostly nonsensical fantasies of a time that existed prior to globalization, there is simply no turning back. If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has proved (with a vengeance), it is that nations are inextricably interlinked. There is no isolating from the rest of the world - the troubles of other nation-states will eventually reach our shores and we must all be prepared. 

It is outdated and naïve to invest so very little in pre-empting and responding to the trans-boundary challenges – catastrophic climate change, pandemics, extreme poverty - that threaten us.  

Respecting democratic norms

In addition to investing in development, the US and India should enhance their efforts to ensure that democratic norms are respected inside their own borders and around the globe. Democracy and democratic principles are increasingly under threat; the pandemic has only exacerbated this trend. 

The repression of minorities, religious oppression, and dismissal of key democratic principles - including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly - are running rampant even in advanced democracies.  

US President Donald Trump’s recent shirking of its closest democratic allies to cozy up to non-democratic states will undoubtedly have long-term negative consequences for global security and has already led to unprecedented democratic backsliding around the world.  China, North Korea, and Russia do not support functional multi-party democracies. The US should be working with its democratic allies, not against them. 

India should not follow in the dangerous footsteps of the Trump Administration. Instead, it should aim to promote democratic norms abroad and relentlessly support inclusiveness within its own borders, as India’s unique strength is fundamentally tied to its diversity. 

Both the US and India are remarkable democratic experiments and their ability to champion democratic norms and freedoms - rather than weaken them - will prove critical to global peace and prosperity in the years ahead.  

The US election provides an essential opportunity:  Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, if elected, has years of diplomatic experience and enough well-earned respect among democratic allies to craft a cohesive and bold foreign policy agenda.

The election will also provide a renewed chance for the new US Administration to craft an innovative geopolitical partnership with India, the world’s largest democracy. If elected, Biden’s presidency may offer a chance for two truly exceptional democracies to come together to champion fundamental democratic norms and to address the profound transboundary challenges - worsened by the recent pandemic - that increasingly threaten the economic and national security of both nations.  

(Sohini Chatterjee is on the faculty at Columbia University’s School of International & Public Affairs. legal advisor for Independent International Legal Advocates and Senior Associate, Center for Strategic & International Studies. Swadesh Chatterjee is an entrepreneur, Chairman, US-India Friendship Council, Vice-Chair, Chancellor’s Global Leadership Council at University of North Carolina and the first Indian-American recipient in India of Padma Bhushan for public affairs. The views expressed are personal, They can be contacted at schat@ncrrbiz.com)

Post a Comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Anonymous
Tue, 10/11/2022 - 10:10
Anonymous
Tue, 10/11/2022 - 10:27
grgrsgseg
Tue, 10/11/2022 - 11:44
gggib
payday loan 1000
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 04:56
Let us assist you to relieve some stress with clear rates
and phrases, in-depth FAQs, and a personal finance schooling blog.
Divyansh
Tue, 10/11/2022 - 12:04
HI test comment
Ravi
Tue, 10/11/2022 - 12:07
test 123
Ozempic
Wed, 01/18/2023 - 13:24
I know this web page gives quality dependent content
and other data, is there any other web page which presents such data in quality?
SEO Specialist
Thu, 01/19/2023 - 12:55
Hi, I read your blog regularly. Your writing style is witty,
keep up the good work!
educationuk-in.org
Wed, 07/19/2023 - 13:03
Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I
was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm having problems finding one?

Thanks a lot!
https://aspor.ua/inshi-tovary/
Thu, 07/27/2023 - 03:01
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You've done an impressive
job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
trupa nunta
Wed, 08/02/2023 - 21:22
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the
rest of the website is also very good.
Buy Flower Bouquet Arrangements
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 03:35
They provide the most lovely flowers.
aspor.ua
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 14:05
Thank you for another excellent article. The place else may
just anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect manner
of writing? I've a presentation next week, and I'm on the look for such info.
Proxy Deals
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 01:43
Can you tell us more about this? I'd love to find ouut
more details.
slot88 gacor
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 11:34
slot88 gacor
static holding
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 23:48
Post writing is also a fun, if you know then you can write if not it is
difficult to write.
Dotty
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 04:57
At this point, the Department of Education will disburse the
funds on to your faculty.
github.com
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 18:27
Great job on this post! The content is incredibly educational and thoroughly researched,
providing useful perspectives into the topic at hand. The way of writing is compelling
and flows smoothly, making it an enjoyable article.

I value the effort put into conveying complex ideas in a straightforward and concise.
This article has definitely expanded my knowledge on the subject.
Bravo to the writer for delivering such
a excellent work!|I'm thoroughly awed with the quality of this write-up.
The writer has masterfully presented a impartial view on the subject, providing both sides of the argument in a just and objective manner.

The investigation and evidence cited throughout the
article add reliability to the arguments made.
I appreciate the clarity of the writing, which made
it effortless to follow along and grasp complex ideas.
This post is a precious resource for anyone seeking a thorough understanding of the topic.|This piece is a breath of fresh air!
The author's unique point of view and imaginative approach make it
distinguish itself from the rest. I found myself engrossed in the captivating storytelling and the seamless flow of ideas.
The author's passion for the topic shines through every word, making the reading experience truly pleasurable.
I praise the effort put into fashioning such an original work.
Well done!|This is an remarkable article of writing! The
author's comprehensive knowledge of the subject
matter is clear throughout the piece. The clear-cut and succinct
explanations, coupled with supporting illustrations,
make challenging notions effortless to comprehend. I appreciate the thorough study that went into this write-up, as it provides a solid foundation for the arguments presented.

The author's way of writing is compelling and keeps the reader engaged until the conclusion. I was impressed by the
flawless transition between thoughts and the coherent structure of the piece.
The author's capability to present nuanced arguments and provide stimulating insights is admirable.
It's evident that a lot of work and proficiency went into creating this remarkable article.
I highly suggest it to anyone looking for a expertly executed and
illuminating article.|I must say, this article went beyond my anticipations!
The thoroughness of analysis and the original point of
view provided really distinguishes it apart. The writer's expertise of the subject is evident, making challenging
concepts effortlessly understandable. The writing style is captivating and holds the reader's interest
from the very beginning. I found myself immersed in the content,
enthusiastically absorbing every word. This is a praiseworthy piece of work that
deserves acknowledgment. Well done!
github.com
Fri, 12/08/2023 - 13:49
Great job on this post! The content is incredibly educational
and meticulously investigated, providing useful insights into the subject at hand.
The way of writing is engaging and progresses seamlessly,
making it an enjoyable article. I admire the effort put into conveying complex ideas in a concise and concise.
This post has undoubtedly expanded my awareness on the subject.
Kudos to the writer for delivering such a top-notch piece!|I'm thoroughly
amazed with the high quality of this write-up. The writer has skillfully presented a balanced view
on the topic, providing both sides of the argument in a fair and impartial manner.
The research and facts cited throughout the piece add reliability to the arguments made.
I admire the clarity of the writing, which made it simple to comprehend and comprehend complex concepts.

This article is a precious resource for anyone seeking
a complete understanding of the topic.|This
blog post is a breath of fresh air! The author's original point of view and innovative approach make it stand out from the rest.
I found myself engrossed in the compelling storytelling and the effortless flow of ideas.
The author's zeal for the subject shines through every word, making the reading experience
truly delightful. I applaud the effort put into crafting such an unique work.
Well done!|This is an outstanding piece of content!
The author's comprehensive knowledge of the topic is evident throughout the piece.
The clear and brief explanations, combined with corroborating illustrations, make complicated notions easy to grasp.
I appreciate the thorough research study that went
into this write-up, as it provides a strong foundation for the claims presented.
The author's way of writing is captivating
and keeps the audience hooked until the end. I was amazed by
the smooth transition between thoughts and the rational structure of the write-up.
The author's ability to present subtle perspectives and provide mind-boggling observations is praiseworthy.
It's evident that a lot of work and expertise went into creating this
outstanding piece. I strongly suggest it to anyone looking for a expertly executed and informative read.|I must say, this article surpassed my anticipations!
The depth of analysis and the unique perspective offered really distinguishes it
apart. The writer's expertise of the subject shines through, making
complex concepts easily understandable. The writing style is gripping and grabs
the reader's interest from the very beginning. I found myself engrossed in the content, enthusiastically absorbing every word.

This is a commendable piece of work that deserves appreciation. Well done!
Bali location in the World
Sat, 12/09/2023 - 15:08
My brother recommended I might like this web site.
He was totally right. This post actually made my day.
You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this
info! Thanks!
coactuem.ub.edu
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:25
Excellent, what a website it is! This weblog provides valuable data to us,
keep it up.
TheBaliTravels
Sat, 12/23/2023 - 11:38
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I've
really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.

After all I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
myanimelist.net
Thu, 01/04/2024 - 09:25
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I'm impressed!
Extremely useful info specially the last part :) I
care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular
info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
Why is Bali not safe anymore
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 21:42
Great job on the article! The coherence of information is impressive
. It was easy to immerse in the material from
start to finish. Keep it up !
zbDyUCrIo2lv8OX3VfGakOaz_o8TqrraO43y_FSjuKQ
Sat, 02/10/2024 - 22:13
I completely agree with your analysis of topic. It's spot on.
Bali Island
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 12:18
I love how you break down complex ideas into easily
digestible chunks of information. Your writing style is engaging
and makes learning about this topic a delightful experience.
e-commerce
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 20:34
Wow, wonderful weblog format! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?
you make running a blog glance easy. The entire look of your web site is excellent, let
alone the content material! You can see
similar: ecommerce and here najlepszy sklep
Upulgondakusuma
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 14:17
Your composition skillfully makes complex subjects reachable.
I value the commitment you show in clarifying this topic without sacrificing on comprehensiveness.
sklep internetowy
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 08:05
Hi! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!

Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the excellent work! I saw similar here: ecommerce and also here: sklep online
sklep online
Sat, 02/17/2024 - 07:08
Very energetic article, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?

You can see similar: sklep internetowy and here sklep
https://rroyucrt48849.wixsite.com/advertisingmoney
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 21:20
Hi there,

Thanks for the informative post about online
advertising. I've had great success with Ads Free Post, a website that
lets you post ads for free. It's easy to use, lets
you upload photos and videos, and is a great option for small business owners looking
to reach a wider audience.

Keep up the great work on your blog!

Best regards,
cash advance online loan
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 08:46
Select’s editorial team works independently to review financial merchandise and write articles we expect our readers will discover helpful.
Ꭺ片
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 11:33
If you desire to take much from this post then you have to apply such strategies to your won web site.
42;&
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 19:24
Valuable information. Lucky me I discovered your web site by accident, and I
am shocked why this accident didn't took place in advance!
I bookmarked it.
penipu
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 22:48
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I'll make sure to bookmark it and return to
read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post.
I will certainly return.
xây nhà trọn gói Cần Thơ
Tue, 10/15/2024 - 13:06
https://xaydungtrangtrinoithat.com/xay-nha-tron-goi-tai-can-tho-nha-thau-xay-dung-uy-tin-va-chuyen-nghiep/
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of
precious knowledge about unpredicted feelings.
https://xaydungtrangtrinoithat.com/xay-nha-tron-goi-tai-can-tho-nha-thau-xay-dung-uy-tin-va-chuyen-nghiep/
Công ty xây dựng tại Biên Hòa
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 08:32
https://xaydungtrangtrinoithat.com/cong-ty-xay-dung-tai-bien-hoa-dong-nai-thi-cong-xay-nha-tron-goi/
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would
be ok. I'm definitely enjoying your blog and look forward
to new updates. https://xaydungtrangtrinoithat.com/cong-ty-xay-dung-tai-bien-hoa-dong-nai-thi-cong-xay-nha-tron-goi/