The original theory of a “risk society” was developed by Ulrich Beck in 1986 (and elaborated in our reading of Beck from 2011). More recently, especially with the advent of the Coronavirus pandemic, some have argued we are now living in a “world risk society” and the processes of globalization have played a major role. In an essay drawing from readings (Beck, Tuncer, McKee) and/or (Rodrik, Pleyers), please address the following questions:
To what degree would you say we are living in a world risk society?
Do you think globalization (i.e. greater world-wide inter-connectedness) makes the coronavirus crisis worse, or are there elements of globalization that might make the fight against the pandemic more solvable?
If the Coronavirus pandemic may provide new opportunities for alternative futures or new kinds of politics, which kinds of actions do you think would be the most effective? You may respond in terms of “effectiveness” relating directly to the global pandemic, or “effectiveness” in terms of bringing about a more just, faifktr, sustainable, and equitable world.