VACCINE DIPLOMACY – by – Raza Qazi

The evolution of diplomatic trajectories is a constant process that informs and directs executive-level contact and collaboration worldwide. Nevertheless, milestone events and activities that rapidly reorganize the global scenario form highlights after every few years. Events such as the 9/11 Tragedy and its rippling effects had given birth to the present geopolitical status quo, pitching certain powers as the lead actors across the world stage.

Fruitless as it may be to ponder upon the various aspects of diplomacy and international relations that have forged the present global alignment, we can nevertheless utilize our hindsight to inform and predict the future direction of events.

The global coronavirus pandemic, having erupted earlier this year, has wreaked havoc across economies and demographics, virtually altering the complete ecosystem of human affairs in the short space of a single generation. This unprecedented level of change and evolution is rarely witnessed in history and is comparable to the two great wars’ effects in the past.

It is very apt to designate this wave of biological contagion as a manifestation of a third global conflict, yet one that is being fought with Medicine and Science rather than guns and bullets.

Beyond petty national political differences, this virus has demarcated the pitfalls of modern human society in stark relief, sending public and private entities into a freefall that may prove highly challenging to correct.

In the wake of this political and global upheaval, the axis of power has abruptly shifted in favor of scientific establishments rather than political and representative organizations. In simpler terms, it is undoubtedly true that whoever controls the virus now controls the world.

Some may challenge this morbid viewpoint, but opinions do not craft global facts. It is now highly apparent that the economic potential of a viable vaccine against the virus forms the basis of a new movement and emergent sector of international relations that we may entitle as “vaccine diplomacy.”

With global contenders fighting for the right to launch proprietary vaccination, it is glaringly evident that new political alliances will be forged on the mantle of demand and supply of the effective cure.

Choosing between Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s Sinopharm candidates, U.K.’s Oxford, and the U.S. Moderna vaccine will determine the economic, social, and political future of recipient countries. As with most aid or purchase agreements, a long list of prerequisites and conditions come attached by default!

For Pakistan, whose coronavirus control and management have been internationally recognized, the choice might seem simple. Reaching out to our age-old partner and “forever friend,” China may seem like the natural course to undertake.

However, it is still to be determined whether these contesting parties can provide adequate and equal results among their candidates or whether an asymmetric charge of benefits may be derived by combining approaches from the multiple options.

It is yet to be clear how the future pans out for our state, yet some things are certain. This includes the fact that traditional diplomatic tools and instruments have now seceded in favor of an utterly new paradigm of determinants that no longer follow classical engagement patterns.

As with modern warfare, the battle against the coronavirus has granted a hitherto unexplored paradigm to diplomatic ties, and the age of “vaccine diplomacy” has no doubt begun.