How COVID-19 Will Reshape Indo-Pacific Security

COVID-19 will likely have a range of significant effects on Indo-Pacific security and geopolitics in both the short and long-term. 

In just a few months, COVID-19 has spread across the Indo-Pacific, infecting thousands and causing massive social and economic disruption. While some states, like South Korea and Vietnam, have had great success in containing the pandemic, others like India, Indonesia, and, of course, the United States continue to face substantial domestic outbreaks. Already, North Korea has demolished its joint liaison office with the South near Kaesong in a dramatic show of force; the North will likely engage in further provocations in the months to come.
COVID-19 also may temporarily impede India’s growing role in Indo-Pacific regional security. Leading international institutions have struggled to manage the outbreak. The G-7, for instance, was unable to even release a joint statement on the pandemic. Perhaps most notably, the World Health Organization has seen its reputation damaged by its obsequiousness toward China and the U.S. decision to cut ties with the organization.

This article was written by Jiyoon Kim, Jihoon Yu, and Erik French

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