Chapter-7 : Complex Systems Challenges: Epidemics, the Welfare-State and the Constitution

During the last four hundred years, different types of Epidemics have wreaked havoc on the health, psyche, politics and economies of regions, nations and continents.Epidemics are major Geopolitical Risks because: i) They can have significant negative social, economic, psychological, political and environmental consequences (as clearly illustrated by the COVID-19 Epidemic of 2019-present, and other Epidemics). ii) There are significant differences in compliance rates around the world (compliance with public health standards and statutes/regulations for emergencies). iii) Countries and even states/regions respond differently to Epidemics. iv) There are significant differences in regulation and new legislation around the world and that is sometimes a function of the existing political system in the country. v) There can be different rates of mutation of viruses/bacteria around the world. vi) The impact on infrastructure and critical systems varies dramatically around the world and is sometimes a function of the existing political system in the country. vii) There are or there can be significant differences in the reactions of stock, bond, currency and commodity markets to Epidemics in various countries. viii) Only the fear, uncertainty and anxiety causes by an Epidemic is sufficient to crash stock markets, bond markets and exchange rates, as illustrated by the COVID-19 Epidemic of 2020