How Pandemics Stroke Political Division
- InkSociety
- Jul 19, 2020
- 3 min read
By Edward Liu
University High School

The division and polarization in America caused by the pandemic is a product of uniquely American history and democratic structure. In comparison to other countries around the world, America indeed falls short in its response to contain the spread of the virus. When America was founded, founding leaders centered around the idea of a joint nation made up of different states, each with various economic industries and political interests.
These differences in states, although in no small degree, ensured power does not fall into the hands of authoritarianism. It divided the country and weakened and limited the action and the ability of the federal government during times of crisis. Furthermore, the United States only has approximately 250 years of history since it was founded. America is not like countries based on a civilization that has been tested for thousands of years. America, as an entire nation, was never being challenged to a state where national survival was an issue. So the resilience of America is yet to be proven in history.
Since 1776, America has chosen a path that no other country ever walked on, a nation built by immigration. The short history of America and immigration coming from different backgrounds was the source of cultural diversity, vitality, and creativity. However, during a period of contingency, it can be seeds of division as people start to divide based on different identities. Lastly, recent demonstrations across America demanding justice for George Floyd highlighted another deep-lying social problem of America, the issue of race. It is hard to believe that in 21 century America, racial discrimination incidents are still happening. Justice should be served, but in the meantime, it is crucial to stop riots and robberies done by the anarchists who joined the protests for another motive.
The division and polarization in America are not entirely negative, and it does not necessarily lead to social unrest. The best thing to maintain balance is to have different ideas; small divisions proved that democracy is served, and its mechanism for people to have their voice when they want is provided. The definition of democracy is to ensure people's rights by giving them the mechanism that could help them express their voice and change political leaders. For instance, if President Trump loses the next election, it means public opinion is mostly against him and switching back or left on the political spectrum, if he wins the election, it means more people are supporting his political platform and continue to shift right. The election will allow the American people to use their lawful mechanism to reflect the public opinion and their satisfaction rate to the current situation.
The identity-based division within America can be resolved through the democratic mechanism and peaceful protests, but something to be concerned of the most is the idea of the US vs. the world. The inevitable political division in the world stage is what most Americans must recognize now to stop it at the election. Since President Trump stepped into the oval office, his foreign and economic policy has switched from the previous cooperative global relationship to a process of anti- globalization. This can be seen through a series of tariffs imposed on China, the European Union, and Japan. After claiming China's full control of the World Health Organization, he decided to quit. Unfortunately, his political platform appealed to many Americans in short terms due to promising job opportunities and relocation of many industries back to the United States.
However, the trend of globalization and progress of globalization in the past years is irreversible, and it will continue to fuel economic prosperity to the world. With a world in crisis together seeking to recover, multilateral cooperation is especially important to help countries walk out of recession. President Trump's unilateral policy will only further increase division with the world and evoke polarization within America.
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