Does COVID-19 threaten globalization?, by Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor, Peter A.G. van Bergeijk, and Binyam Afewerk Demena

Abstract                          

We analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the world economic system through the three components of globalization: economic, social and political globalization, respectively. The pandemic and the economic policy response have hit these aspects to different degrees. 

• Economically, the quick recovery of world merchandise trade stands out.

• Socially, the reduction in tourism is the largest shock but here a sharp recovery is possible.

• Politically, the end of US membership of the WHO and the difficulty of global economic coordination in the G20 are key drivers for 2020. The election of a new US President allows for a quick reversal.

Keywords

Covid-19, world trade, globalization, deglobalization.

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