When Democracy Meets the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Whether authoritarianism is more effective in containing the COVID-19 virus is a topic of debate. This chapter argues that to fully understand the effects of regime types on the COVID-19 response, we should focus on the process rather than the outcome of crisis governance. We identify three strengths of democratic governance in coping with COVID-19 using Taiwan as an example. First, vertical accountability prompts democracies to govern the public health crisis while balancing civil liberty protections and individual rights. Second, democratic governments resort to persuasion instead of coercion to enhance citizen compliance. In the crisis communication and persuasion process, democracy not only needs to provide transparent information and clear policy directions, but it also must receive criticism and questions from the public or the opposition party. These dissenting voices can create a feedback loop that guards against policies deviating from long-term public interests. Third, civil society plays an important role in democracy during a public health crisis by strengthening mechanisms of vertical accountability, enhancing individual rights protections and government responsiveness. In addition, a strong civil society, through coproduction, can supplement government measures to make policy implementation more comprehensive.