Researchers of the Peace Academy and the Shared Society Network present international perspectives on social polarization and cohesion in times of COVID-19.
As if under a magnifying glass, the global COVID-19 pandemic renders global inequalities, as well as conflicts within societies, more visible. It is particularly the marginalized, weak and vulnerable groups in societies—as well as poorer countries in general—that most bear the burden of the pandemic. Therefore, more often than not, existing inequalities are reinforced and societies become more polarized in this situation. At the same time, the crisis shows the importance of social cohesion and, therefore, opportunities for transformation. This first edition of PEACE PERSPECTIVES takes this observation as a starting point for looking at the consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic in different countries from peace and conflict perspective.