As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly subsides, there seems to be a new challenge looming on the horizon – the rise of Leviathan.

What is Leviathan, you ask? In Thomas Hobbes’ book, ‘Leviathan,’ it was defined as a metaphorical creature symbolizing a strong and centralized government. Though, in modern times, it could represent any large and powerful entity that exerts its influence to maintain control. In this article, we will explore the after-effects of the flu and how it has led to the rise of Leviathan.

A Brief Recap – The Impact of Flu

The flu pandemic of 1918, also known as the Spanish flu, is regarded as one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It affected nearly 500 million people, or about one-third of the world’s population at that time.

The death toll from this pandemic was estimated to be around 50 million.

The flu of 1918 brought unprecedented challenges for the world. Many hospitals were overwhelmed, and there was a shortage of medical supplies. The pandemic also exposed the inadequacy of most public healthcare systems.

Governments around the world failed to provide sufficient relief to their citizens, and as a result, individual citizens were left to fend for themselves.

The Rise of Leviathan

The pandemic of 2020, caused by the COVID-19 virus, has had a similar impact to that of the Spanish flu. Just like in 1918, hospitals and healthcare systems have been stretched to their limit.

Moreover, governments worldwide are still struggling to provide vaccines and medical supplies for their citizens.

However, this time around, things are different. In the aftermath of the flu, it seems that there is a new contender rising to fill the void left by the failing governments. This new contender is the private sector.

Big tech companies like Google and Amazon have stepped up by providing supplies and resources to help combat the pandemic. Private hospitals, like the ones owned by the Mayo Clinic in the US, are thriving as people seek alternative healthcare options.

The private sector’s rise to power is reminiscent of Hobbes’ concept of Leviathan, where a strong and centralized entity governs society.

The intense competition among private entities has also led to the emergence of a new regulatory framework, one that is driven by profit and self-governance.

The Power of Technology

The private sector’s rise to power can be attributed to its extensive use of technology. Amazon, for instance, leverages its vast database of customers to streamline distribution networks and improve supply chain management.

Google, on the other hand, uses its advanced technology to track and predict the spread of the virus. It is this use of technology that has given these private entities an edge in dealing with the pandemic.

Moreover, the adoption of digital technologies has created a new normal in the way people live and work. Remote working and e-commerce have become increasingly popular as people avoid crowded spaces.

The use of telemedicine has also gained popularity, providing people with an alternative to seeking medical care in-person. As a result, technology has become an essential tool in the fight against the pandemic.

The Downside of the Rise of Leviathan

While the rise of Leviathan has been a boon for some, it has also had its downsides. Private entities are driven by profit and are not necessarily concerned with the public good.

As a result, they tend to overlook individuals and communities that are not profitable, thus exacerbating social inequality.

Moreover, given the private sector’s dominance, governments are losing their ability to govern effectively.

Private entities may become more powerful than governments, leading to a situation where policies are made in the interest of profit rather than the public good. This could lead to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals, further pushing vulnerable communities to the margins.

The Need for Balance

It is clear that the rise of Leviathan is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has provided much-needed relief for governments struggling to contain the pandemic.

On the other hand, it has created new challenges that could exacerbate social inequality and undermine democracy.

Thus, it is crucial to strike a balance between the public and private sectors. Governments need to provide regulation and oversight to ensure that private entities act in the public’s best interest, not just their shareholders’ interests.

At the same time, private entities must work for the betterment of society, not just the bottom line.

Conclusion

The rise of Leviathan is an inevitable outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. Its emergence has provided relief to overwhelmed governments, but it has also created new challenges.

While the rise of the private sector has been beneficial in many ways, it is essential to maintain balance and ensure that governments and private entities work together to provide the public with the best outcomes. Failure to achieve this balance could lead to an authoritarian regime where policies are based on profit rather than the public good.