DISINFO: The threat of coronavirus brought globalisation to its knees
SUMMARY
The old world is already being buried by the coronavirus. The old world died because the relatively small threat of coronavirus brought globalisation to its knees. It has also dispelled all mantras about a “common destiny.” Instead of jointly fighting the problem and finding methods to minimise the consequences for the human health and the economy, almost all countries chose to take the position of “we don’t know anything”. They shut down, even from their neighbors, with whom they are in allied relations within the framework of integration blocs.
RESPONSE
One of the new pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives claiming that the coronavirus pandemic will soon lead to the breakdown of globalisation and the collapse of the global economic system. The narrative of “imminent collapse” is one of the core instruments of pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets, used to spread demoralisation and self-doubt among target audiences, as well as to sow discord, panic and diminish trust in national authorities, the EU and international institutions. The COVID-19 outbreak is a serious challenge to all countries, but there is no foundation for the claim that old world is died and it will lead to a new world order. Its spread will slow the global economy which is heavily dependent on international production and global supply chains. While the pandemic is a challenge for globalisation, it will not bring the end to this long-term process. Globalisation has brought significant benefits for billions of people, and most of the world will not be eager to do away with these benefits and with the free movement of people, goods and capital. Another recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation tactic is to pit EU member states against each other in an attempt to undermine European solidarity. There is no evidence to support the claim that the pandemic is resulting in the death of the EU. The European Commission is coordinating a common European response to the COVID-19 crisis and is supporting Member States in tackling the pandemic and in mitigating its economic consequences. Read here previous cases on this topic.