A downside to Globalization

Everyone remembers the COVID outbreak peaking in 2020, but are we now facing a rise in globalized sickness? Recently, China announced an outbreak of a new mosquito-borne virus: Chikungunya. While this virus is different from COVID, it is not unfamiliar—similar mosquito-borne viruses have emerged in Africa over the years.

The major difference in this case lies in global reach. China is one of the world’s largest exporters, whereas Africa does not have the same level of international trade influence. As the saying goes, history repeats itself. The Black Plague spread through rats aboard trade ships carrying goods from North Africa and Asia.

So, are we truly witnessing a new wave of globalized sickness? How will countries respond to these growing health threats? Will the world shift toward a future of isolated nations, or will this simply become another bump in the road of human history?

Is the world becoming more isolated given recent history from the negative sides of globalization?

• yes
• no