Since shortly after the outbreak of Covid-19, two theories about the pandemic’s likely impact have been circulating. One – let’s call it the “bread thesis” – maintains that the crisis will reinstate respect for seriousness and competence. It will remind everyone that the nations of the world are interdependent and that the politics of expertise puts food on the table and keeps the diners alive.
The other – let’s call it the “circuses thesis” – suggests that, with borders tightening, economic and social turmoil exacerbating old inequalities and anger over lockdowns rising and being directed at elites, the pandemic will benefit populists stirring culture wars.
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