He considered that the era of internationalization and globalization will undergo major changes

A German historian: Corona is a watershed point in history

German historian Andreas Versching sees the Corona pandemic as a possible end to an era.

“There is a lot to suggest that 2020 will be recorded in history as a watershed point,” said the director of the Institute for Contemporary History, Munich Berlin.

It is true that we do not know that precisely yet, but some things can be seen, especially with regard to globalization.

Ferching, who holds the position of chair of the Department of Modern History at the University of Munich, assumes that the era of internationalization and globalization in the past 50 years will undergo major changes, "if not end."

"International mobility - an important feature of globalization - was reduced to nearly zero six months ago, which is simply amazing," said Fershing, 61.

The international distribution of the workload, which has given strong momentum to globalization, is also being tested.

The pandemic revealed the dependence of Europe and the West on products made in Asia, such as masks and medicines, and this, too, will not remain without consequences.

Firsching believes that the importance of nation states, which some saw as rapidly declining in the era of globalization, increased again, and said: “The nation-state and its affiliated authorities and institutions, such as states and municipalities in our country, were the only effective political and administrative actors that were able to work during the pandemic crisis, Even with the closure of borders », adding that, in return, none of the international or supranational bodies, such as the World Health Organization or the European Union, were able to take effective measures, explaining that the era of globalization with its global liquidity across borders, and the increasing freedom of movement of funds, goods and individuals It also slowed down sharply.

According to Vershing, the Corona pandemic "cannot be compared to previous turning points," explaining that the last two major influenza pandemics in 1957 and 1968 until 1970 did not witness such drastic measures, and he said: "In this regard, it is true to say that we are facing the greatest challenge since the war." Second World.

Nevertheless, we must not forget that the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communism changed the living conditions of millions of people in Europe in one fell swoop, but that was a political history with a very different aspect.

However, the historian does not believe that the pandemic will radically change people, and he said: “I think the idea that a pandemic crisis may also have (good) and may involve new (opportunities) is a short-sighted, cynical idea towards those who have to. Fear for their existence or health, ”indicating that the pandemic is likely to be a catalyst for current trends.

"This could lead to positive developments in climate protection, technological innovations, or more critical treatment of mass tourism," he said.

• The last two major influenza pandemics did not witness significant measures.

• The idea that the pandemic is "good" is short-sighted.

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