Abstract
New Pandemics, Old Politics: Two Hundred Years of War on Disease and Its Alternatives, written by political scientist and Africanist Alex de Waal, is a clarion call to rethink the way in which societies respond to pandemic diseases. De Waal uses historical case studies of cholera, 1918 influenza, and HIV/AIDS to challenge readers to recognise the limitations of the current “war on disease” rhetoric that has dominated pandemic planning and responses since the late 19th century. Using the current COVID-19 pandemic to frame his analysis, de Waal dissects the historical choices which have produced the current policies of mass sequestration, reliance on curative services, and faith that medical technology through vaccination will bring “victory”.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
