Globalization and COVID-19: The Role of Local and Regional Authorities In Context Of International Relations

Blanka Wurst Hašová,Pavla Varvažovská,T Kliestik

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20219201057

Blanka Wurst Hašová, Pavla Varvažovská + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20219201057

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Abstract

Research background: International Municipal Cooperation in context of globalization and decentralization can be considered as a widely researched phenomenon. Still, the recent COVID-19 Pandemic prepared unexpected developments at all levels of the society. Purpose of the article is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on models/forms of cooperation between crucial players in the international relations arena, with a special focus on the international-regional/local cooperation axis. Methods of content and comparative analysis based on primary sources and scientific literature review are used. In the methodological framework of the Multi-level Governance Concept (Marks, G., 1993), reactions of relevant International Organizations on COVID-19 with regard to local and/or regional Self-Government Authorities are analysed. Findings and value added: The crisis deepened the importance of local and regional Self-Government Authorities in the recovery process and urged international players to pay an increased attention to mutual cooperation and subsequent implementation of measures needed. Especially the Multi-stakeholder Partnership has been strengthened. This paper intended to contribute to current academic and public policy debate.

Highlights

International Municipal Cooperation in context of globalization and decentralization can be considered as a widely researched phenomenon
The high level of uncertainty caused by the novel nature of the COVID-19 disease opened up more discretion in the political and official responses to expert advice than would normally be the case for crises with better-known causes and outcomes [6]
Purpose of the article is to examine, in the research framework of the Multi-level Governance paradigm, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local democracy, investigate the reaction of relevant local and regional authorities on current situation and analyse how far the Multi-level Governance concept corresponds with the assumptions of efficacy and relevancy of current emergency response

Summary

Introduction

International Municipal Cooperation in context of globalization and decentralization can be considered as a widely researched phenomenon. The recent COVID-19 pandemic prepared unexpected developments at all levels of the society. The pandemic brought into sharp focus different levels of federal, national and subnational decision-making, intervention and efficacy [1, 2]. As the reaction from the international/supranational level has been limited [1], national governments and their policy measures – including funding – have been, on the other hand, critical in mobilizing public health measures [1, 4, 5]. The high level of uncertainty caused by the novel nature of the COVID-19 disease opened up more discretion in the political and official responses to expert advice than would normally be the case for crises with better-known causes and outcomes [6]. As governments at all levels, and in particular local and regional authorities, were being called upon to provide emergency services, communicate on how to contain the spread of disease, coordinate efforts, and mitigate as far as possible the impact on economies [7], the assumption that the division of functional responsibilities among different levels of government increases the efficiency and responsiveness of governments [3], became a new challenge to be proven

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