Fact Check: "The COVID-19 pandemic intensified economic nationalism in both the United States and China."
What We Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global relations, particularly between the United States and China. According to a study published in the Journal of Chinese Political Science, the pandemic has exacerbated existing nationalist sentiments in both countries, contributing to a more protectionist approach in their economic policies (Boylan et al.). The authors argue that the trade war, which began prior to the pandemic, was fueled by rising nationalism in both nations, as the U.S. adopted an "America First" policy under President Trump, while China sought to assert its global status (Boylan et al.).
Furthermore, a separate analysis published in PubMed highlights a global rise in nationalism as countries responded to the pandemic with nationalist policies. This study suggests that individuals are more likely to support these policies during crises, indicating a shift towards economic nationalism (Zhai et al.). The pandemic has led to increased scrutiny of foreign dependencies, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare and technology, prompting both nations to prioritize domestic production and self-sufficiency (Albertoni).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified economic nationalism in the U.S. and China is robust. The study by Boylan et al. provides a comprehensive overview of how the pandemic has intensified pre-existing nationalist sentiments, leading to more aggressive economic policies aimed at protecting domestic industries (Boylan et al.). The authors' reliance on well-documented historical context, including the trade war and the political rhetoric surrounding it, adds credibility to their conclusions.
Moreover, the findings from the PubMed article reinforce this perspective by showing that the pandemic has led to a notable increase in public support for nationalist policies, which aligns with the broader trend of rising nationalism observed globally (Zhai et al.). This is further supported by analyses from other sources, such as a report from Brookings, which discusses how the pandemic has reshaped perceptions of global leadership and economic interdependence, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations (Brookings).
However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in the sources. The Journal of Chinese Political Science and PubMed articles are peer-reviewed and provide empirical data, which enhances their reliability. In contrast, opinion pieces or less rigorously sourced articles may present a skewed view of nationalism without the same level of academic scrutiny.
Conclusion
The claim that "The COVID-19 pandemic intensified economic nationalism in both the United States and China" is True. The evidence indicates that the pandemic has exacerbated existing nationalist sentiments, leading both nations to adopt more protectionist economic policies. The historical context of the U.S.-China trade war, combined with the public's increased support for nationalist policies during the pandemic, supports this conclusion.
Sources
- US–China Relations: Nationalism, the Trade War, and COVID-19
- Is Nationalism Rising in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
- International Trade Norms in the Age of Covid-19
- Break This Down: U.S.-China Relations During COVID-19
- A modern tragedy? COVID-19 and US-China relations
- China in 2021: A New Normal in an Abnormal Time
- The Influence of Covid-19 on the Power Transition
