How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected political institutions and processes globally?5 answersThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on political institutions and processes globally. Autocratic governments imposed stringent lockdowns and contact tracing measures, but democracies showed higher compliance with lockdowns, emphasizing collective action. The crisis led to inequalities in political access, favoring business interests over inclusivity, while NGOs increased their prominence on social media. Responsive institutions became crucial, with governments coordinating policy changes and the public engaging actively. The pandemic challenged the capacity of states to manage public health effectively, leading to coercive policy responses that altered democratic values like freedom of movement. Overall, the pandemic reshaped institutional dynamics, highlighting the importance of adaptability and collective action in navigating global crises.
How have family relationships changed during the corona pandemic?5 answersFamily relationships have undergone significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show that the pandemic has led to shifts in the division of labor between spouses, alterations in intergenerational and intragenerational family relationships, and impacts on family relationship quality based on perceived similarity in COVID-19 centrality. Additionally, the pandemic has influenced family involvement in the education system, with some schools valuing families as partners in student learning while others restricting family engagement. Furthermore, adolescents' perspectives on family relationships during the lockdown indicate both positive growth opportunities and challenging conflictual situations within families. Overall, the pandemic has brought about diverse changes in family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating these challenging times.
Why was the uncertainty in the Covid crisis perceived as very high by politicians?5 answersThe uncertainty in the Covid crisis was perceived as very high by politicians due to the unprecedented challenges it posed in decision-making. Conservative Americans experiencing uncertainty about themselves and the future faced elevated levels of threat perception, particularly regarding attacks on sociopolitical identity and material well-being, leading to risky social behaviors. During the pandemic, voters in Bavaria shifted towards selecting more competent politicians when faced with high uncertainty, as seen in the decline of incumbency advantage for certain councilors. The crisis incentivized decision-makers to prioritize providing access to business groups over inclusivity, while NGOs increased their prominence in public communications, highlighting how crises like Covid-19 can exacerbate inequalities in political access.
How the COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate disputes in 2023?5 answersThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to generate disputes in 2023. The construction sector has experienced challenges such as decreased productivity, increased costs, and conflicts and claims, leading to disputes in construction projects. The efficacy of fourth doses of classical mRNA vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection is low against the Omicron variant, but high against severe symptomatic infection, hospitalization, and death. Companies and firms have cited COVID-19 as force majeure to suspend promised supplies or services, resulting in legal claims for compensation. Arbitral tribunals will need to apply civil or common law principles to resolve contractual disputes arising from the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the normal order of work in arbitration, requiring leaders to make dramatic decisions and leading to the implementation of bold initiatives in process and procedure.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected trends and shifts in foreign aid politics?3 answersThe Covid-19 pandemic has had varying effects on trends and shifts in foreign aid politics. Some studies suggest that the crisis has accelerated the need for global cooperation and solidarity in providing development assistance. However, there are concerns that individual health-related and economic worries, as well as decreasing trust in government, may dampen support for development assistance. In the United States, personal exposure to the effects of Covid-19 has been associated with increased support for international organizations (IOs) but decreased support for foreign aid. Partisanship also plays a role, with Republicans being less likely to support both forms of economic engagement, but having a stronger positive relationship between exposure and support for IOs. Overall, it is suggested that the pandemic may have both positive and negative impacts on international politics and security, leading to strengthened cooperation but also increased competition and opposition between countries.
Has inequality risen during and since the COVID-19 pandemic?5 answersInequality has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the EU-wide and global inequality of disposable income did not change dramatically in 2020, the unequal impact on wealth and health is likely to worsen income inequality in the future. In the field of education, the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly in access to educational resources. The shift to distance learning has posed challenges for both students and teachers, leading to increased dropout rates and decreased academic performance, especially among students from rural areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds. In terms of mortgage refinancing, the pandemic has widened the gap between high- and low-income borrowers, with high-income borrowers benefiting more from refinancing opportunities and capturing larger improvements in interest rates. Additionally, using bank records, it has been found that without government intervention, economic inequality would have increased significantly during the pandemic, primarily driven by job losses and wage cuts among low-wage earners.