Sino-Western rivalry in the COVID-19 “vaccine wars”–A race to the bottom?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper analyses the escalating Sino-Western race to develop a safe, efficacious and durable vaccine (i.e. “Goldilocks COVID-19 vaccine”). It argues that such efforts would be considerably more effective if there is greater international cooperation instead of the corrosive rivalry driven by misplaced nationalism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study deploys a case-study approach, supported by literature on existing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine development efforts.

Findings

Despite the seeming success of recent COVID-19 vaccines, their actual efficacy is far from certain. Moreover, access to these vaccines would not be equitable internationally. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that their unique properties make storage and distribution prohibitively expensive, and international mechanisms to provide distribution to economically depressed regions are non-existent. Given the significant difficulties, it would be incumbent upon the great powers (i.e. China and America) to work together not only in vaccine development but also in the establishment of a distribution platform to ensure equitable access worldwide.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few social science research papers on COVID-19 vaccine development and its implications for society at large.

Citation

Wong, W.K.O. (2021), "Sino-Western rivalry in the COVID-19 “vaccine wars”–A race to the bottom?", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 587-599. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-12-2020-0271