American Society of International Law, Volume 24 Issue 17, (July 9, 2020).
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has made it apparent that states have different capacities to detect, effectively respond to, and manage highly infectious diseases. Concomitantly, the resources necessary to support robust health systems are distributed inequitably, which inevitably places greater stress on societies with the most vulnerable health infrastructure. This Insight analyzes the international obligations of capacity-building and cooperation in light of COVID-19. The political appetite for international cooperation and assistance may also increase considering the widespread ramifications of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and the responses to halt its spread have already created a world which few had previously envisioned. Perhaps it will be more possible going forward to harness this potential to create a more just world order.