Re-imagining the nation-state: An impetus from the pandemic

Abstract

In this article the positive lessons from the coronavirus pandemic are examined, focusing on the intensive activities of solidarity at the local, national, and transnational levels, the increase in scientific cooperation, the implementation of assistance policies by states, and the various endeavors of NGOs, religious communities, private organizations, wealthy and less wealthy donors, and charities to support individuals and groups affected by it. It is argued that the pandemic is not only a tragedy that revealed some of the disintegrative processes of global risk society but is also a matchless opportunity for acknowledging what can be (and is) done in the globalized world when guided by positives such as cooperation, coordination, and solidarity. Discussing the theories of globalization, nationalism, and cosmopolitanism, with special attention to Ulrich Beck's theory of reflexive society, the core point of this article is that, considering upcoming global threats of even greater magnitude, such as climate change, potentially deadlier pandemics, and nuclear conflicts, a new world order based on cooperation, coordination and solidarity between nation-states is not only desirable but necessary for survival.

Limits to the Anthropocene: geopolitical conflict or cooperative governance?

“…Emerging from the tumultuous 20th century were numerous institutions and organizations, including the United Nations, serving as social and political antibodies to such problems. Their effectiveness is seriously challenged in today's multiple crises (see Posocco and Watson, 2023).…”

“…A small but growing body of literature (including a number of studies in this special issue) are tackling the potential positive role of "green nationalism" (Conversi, 2020(Conversi, , 2021a) that supports national sustainability and is characterized by policies that safeguard the environment and ecosystems. "Exemplary communities" have made a sustainable living possible, at a small, local scale (Levene and Conversi, 2014;Conversi, 2021b) as well as the regional or national level (Posocco and Watson, 2023). Referring to Beck (2004) and reflecting on the limitations of the nation, "survival cosmopolitanism" has been suggested that aims for a cooperative, inclusive, coordinated, and solidaristic global order (Conversi, 2020).…”

“…What can be learned from the crises for shaping the relationship between nature and society, is that hazard prevention is usually cheaper and more efficient than hazard management. There are numerous studies that have explored how the pandemic has not only been a tragedy but has also spurred positive change across various sectors of society worldwide, from education to environmental awareness (e.g., Anjankar Ashish et al, 2020;Posocco and Watson, 2023).…”

Changes in the practices and narratives of the United Nations High-Level Political Forum during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The theme for 2022 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) meeting was Building back better from the coronavirus disease while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, highlighting that COVID-19 has "amplified existing vulnerabilities, reinforced, and created new obstacles to the realization of [SDGs], widened inequalities, […] and continues to disproportionately impact people in vulnerable situations" (UN, 2022). Moreover, the pandemic reshaped notions of state sovereignty and highlighted the enduring significance and power of nation-states in global politics (Pilipenko et al, 2022;Posocco and Watson, 2023). This necessitates a reconsideration of established assumptions within governance studies, particularly concerning the persistent implementation gap.…”