DISINFO: The coronavirus will provoke the definite, rapid and irreversibile collapse of globalisation

Emerging pro-Kremlin narrative claiming that the coronavirus pandemic will soon lead to the breakdown of globalisation and the collapse of the global economic system. The narrative of “imminent collapse” is one of the core instruments of pro-Kremlin disinformation outlets, used to spread demoralisation and self-doubt among target audiences, as well as to sow discord, panic and diminish trust in national authorities, the EU and international institutions. The article provides no evidence to support its apocalyptic claims about the imminent collapse of global order and the breakdown of globalisation. The COVID-19 pandemic is halting travel and commerce across the globe. Its spread will slow the global economy which is heavily dependent on international production and global supply chains. While the pandemic is a challenge for globalization, it will not bring the end to this long-term process. Globalisation has brought significant benefits for billions of people, and most of the world will not be eager to do away with these benefits and with the free movement of people, goods and capital. COVID-19, as well as future pandemics, can only be countered by means of international cooperation. A coordinated, cross-border effort to monitor and treat the disease, and to speedily develop and disseminate a vaccine across national borders, will end the pandemic. Both the COVID-19 epidemic and the resulting economic crisis are global threats. They can be countered effectively only by means of global cooperation. Read here a previous case claiming that the coronavirus represents the end of globalisation.