Q.2 Delineate the ways in which Covid-19 has affected the contours of the contemporary world order. 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the contours of the contemporary world order in several ways.

1. : The pandemic has brought the issue of global health to the forefront of international politics, highlighting the need for international cooperation in addressing health challenges. This has led to increased calls for the reform of global health governance and for the strengthening of international institutions such as the World Health Organization.
2. : The pandemic has caused significant disruptions to the global economy, with many countries experiencing significant declines in economic growth and rising unemployment. This has led to a shift in economic power, with some emerging economies gaining ground while traditional economic powers have experienced setbacks.
3. l: The pandemic has heightened geopolitical tensions, with countries competing for medical supplies and vaccines, and some countries using the pandemic as an opportunity to expand their influence. This has led to increased competition and rivalry between major powers, and has led to a re-evaluation of the strategic significance of regions such as the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
4. l: The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, as people have increasingly turned to remote work, online shopping, and virtual communication. This has led to a shift in the balance of power in the tech industry, with some companies benefiting from the increased demand for digital services.
5. l: The pandemic has had a mixed impact on the environment, with some short-term improvements in air and water quality due to reduced economic activity, but also negative effects such as increased plastic waste due to the use of personal protective equipment. This has led to renewed calls for action on climate change and the need to build a more sustainable world.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the contours of the contemporary world order, affecting global health, the economy, geopolitics, technology, and the environment. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, it remains to be seen what the longer-term implications will be for the global community.