Introduction
The global spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in a degree of the pandemic, with almost 3 million cases, including over 200,000 deaths, affected all the areas of public life worldwide. Among all, it influences the field of international relations and diplomacy, creating an obstacle for globalization, migration, diplomatic communication, and the relationship between the countries. With the aim to slow down the tempo of spreading the virus and decrease the number of infected people, the majority of the countries introduced the lockdown measures both on local and international levels. The latter includes closing states’ borders and canceling all kinds of international transport, canceling diplomatic meetings, and affecting the relations between the countries in case of absence of mutual understanding of the problem.
Statement of the Problem
After several months of the lockdown of local and international levels, it became apparent that the effect of such measures on all areas of social life, including international relations, is obviously negative. As a result, a question arose to which degree the benefits of the lockdown measures overcomes its damaging effect on the social life and which steps could be considered appropriate for gradual lifting the lockdown.
Analysis
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic made the world face the following diplomatic tensions in international relations:
- Problems arose around trade and transport of hospital equipment, medications, and tests for diagnosis.
- In some cases, accusations were expressed by leaders of some countries in regard to others for an inability to sustain the spread of the virus. In this situation, infection outburst in one country in perspective affects the whole world.
- Some developing countries (in Latin America and Africa) had an insufficient amount of materials for diagnosing coronavirus disease; partly, it was due to outspend the resources by other countries (Europe, United States).
- The diplomatic communication and travel, often highly necessary in these circumstances, were suspended due to closure of national borders.
- Leaders of some countries have accused other countries of not containing the disease effectively and resulting in the uncontrolled spread of the virus.
All these points demonstrate, first, the increased tension in international relations, and, second, the inability for proper resolution of it due to disturbed communication. It indicates the necessity to consider appropriate steps for gradual lifting the lockdown on the international level.
Discussion of Possible Options
There are a number of difficulties alleged with the problem of lifting the lockdown. The first issue refers to the difference in the level of virus affection in various countries, as well as inequality in the measures of lockdown applied by them that required unequal steps for gradual restoring the normal life. The second issue is the necessity of the stated to work collaboratively, with the exceptional need of aligned effort, that is not always accepted willingly by the states. The third issue is connected with the prevention of the new outburst of the COVID-19 as a result of breaking the lockdown.
These issues lead to the proposal of the possible options for solving the problem without causing a negative effect.
- Exit from the lockdown has to be differentiated, various in different regions, in accordance with their level of virus affection. The states have to achieve good contact and information exchange in this regard.
- The effort has to be as much as possible unified and collaborative. Ideally, the funds for the program have to be shared between the states to avoid large financial gaps and inequality.
- Exit has to de gradual, with constant monitoring of the change in the situation, and, in case of its worsening, readiness to step back. Communication between the countries is highly necessary, as the drawback in one state can cause negative outcomes in others.
Conclusion
In the situation of COVID-19 pandemic, evidence of the negative impact of the lockdown measures on social life, including international relations, has appeared. As a result, the program of lifting the lockdown is considered necessary. The main points of such a program have to be readiness for mutual effort, collaboration, and help between the states, as only aligned initiative could provide positive effect.