The outbreak of the coronavirus marked a turning point for a transformation of the global political and economic system and the international community now appears to be on the cusp of a brand new era.

Could the world return to another icy and polarized confrontation, or be inspired to strengthen global cooperation? Or, could the world enter a brand new age of fierce power struggles between nations without an effective stabilizer? With the world standing at a crossroads, these are the various paths that lie ahead.

The pandemic has necessitated diligent efforts by medical professionals around the world and they have been showered with unstinting praise and gratitude for their tireless efforts to treat those who are infected and develop new medicines. Governments, especially those of advanced nations, have started to mobilize their capabilities and technologies, including through the use of supercomputers and artificial intelligence, and have spared no resources in the race to develop a vaccine.