The Coronavirus pandemic exposed the fragility of so many economically powerful regimes with advanced military abilities. In Europe, the pandemic showed the disconnectedness of the European Union, causing its ‘united’ ideology to collapse. Each state attempted to fight the Virus on its own; this constitutes a major crisis, the gravest since the refugees crisis in 2015. 

Even though the United States has the biggest military arsenal and controls the world economy, it, too, failed to fight the pandemic. In fact, the death toll in 24 hours in the US reached (1200) people, a higher number than any Italy has witnessed even though the US’ economy is a lot stronger.

Insight of the Situation

The US showed inconsistency in its methods to fight the pandemic. The US’ President, along with other officials and counselors, made so many statements which were very contradictory. The true potential of nuclear power, about which countries gloat, was uncovered as it failed to protect the people from the virus.

The US’ mask fell and its true identity as a pirate surfaced. It monopolized medical equipment with force, and failed to assist the countries which were most affected. The question, now, is ‘Is globalization truly effective?”

As for the EU, the member states’ fragility and inability to face the pandemic were clear as there was no coordination or cooperation among them.

In addition, the member states did not export medical devices and supplies to one another. For example, Germany denied giving Switzerland medical masks and France denounced its agreement to give Britain medical instruments.

The policy of disengagement will make the member states, the ones most affected at least, reconsider the effectiveness of staying within the European structure, and their abilities to fight any future pandemics and wars.

Perhaps the clearest indication of the EU’s fragmentation is Italy’s condition. Italy was expecting help from other member states. However, they did not offer any assistance although France had accepted to do so, but Germany completely opposed such decision. Italy received assistance from communist and socialist countries (Russia, China and Cuba) which fueled the Parliament and people of Rome’s anger against the European policy. 

Another example is Madrid and Rome’s request for sharing the debts, especially that Italy comes second in the list of most indebted countries after Greece. This also shows the serious effects the member states will be facing after the pandemic is over.

Possible Scenarios:

• In the US, after failing to manage the crisis Trump may not be elected president for a second term.
• While the US’ influence may continue to exist, its hegemony would be affected as Russia and China will advance.
• Trump’s political future will end and the US will be busy recovering from the effects of the Coronavirus. This will affect the implementation of the Israeli-American Plan to terminate the Palestinian cause. As a result, the Israeli occupation may try to implement it with force (through war). Still, the Palestinians’ persistence will topple such plan.
• This crisis will be an introduction to the disengagement and fragmentation of the EU. It may not happen at once, Italy, nevertheless, and Spain could be the first to exit.
• Some countries may stay in the Union politically, but may be economically connected with Russia and China should they continue to support the EU’s weak states. 
• Economically, the American economic globalization will be limited and the Chinese international trade will expand.

Recommendations:

The following recommendations are addressed to the KL Summit:

• As there are indications of the fragmentation of the EU and weakness of the Arab unions’ stances, it is important to advance the Summit into an Islamic Union with internal and foreign policies and increase its members.
• Amidst such crisis, it is important for the states of the Islamic Union to assist and aid the most affected and poorest countries; Islamic, European or others. Turkey’s aids to several countries was a good move. Malaysia is expected to do the same.
• The Palestinian people should be supported to face the Israeli occupation. This can happen through investment projects with Islamic capital and Palestinian brains and manpower. The Palestinians, despite the shortages they suffer from and siege, proved their creativity and inventive nature. This was evident during the Corona crisis and other previous issues.
• It is important for the Islamic Union states to reinforce and support national and Islamic movements which exert efforts to achieve the best interests of the Islamic World.
• It is also important to reinforce relations with countries which are against the American policy worldwide.
• There must be a plan for the post-dictatorship era. In this regard, oppressed countries should be supported; not necessarily militarily but politically and on media.