“During this pandemic, we have to solve problems that we couldn’t even have imagined a few months ago. However, COVID-19 is not just a crisis or a difficult situation. It is a time when decisions must be made, when we are building an experience, and we need to use this learning for our own good,” said Martin Palouš, Ph.D. in Natural Sciences, postdoctoral fellow in Political Science and Philosophy, and associate professor at Charles University, during the online conference “Contemporary Challenges of Democracy.”
The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, was part of a series of lectures organized by the Department of International Studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
Palouš served as a member of the Parliament of Czechoslovakia (1990), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czechoslovakia (1990–1992), and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (1998–2001), as well as Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States (2001–2005), and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations (2006–2011).
An unprecedented situation
“We are living in a world affected by a new and strange phenomenon. How can we deal with this situation? What are the results of the measures taken by various governments? How will our behavior change after this pandemic? For example, will handshakes disappear entirely in the future?” Palouš wondered.
The expert noted that all these questions pertain to democracy and the rules established in light of the “new normal.”
“We have to keep in mind that this is an unprecedented situation. There are virtually no examples that political leaders can use as a guide,” the expert noted, adding, “The most powerful tool for combating COVID-19 is democracy.”
The Role of Democracy
“We cannot allow this epidemic to turn us into fearful individuals who are susceptible to any kind of manipulation. We must accept the rules and orders issued by the authorities, but at the same time remain vigilant and ready to speak out if necessary.”
“Declaring a state of emergency, even with good intentions, can tempt political leaders to manipulate and even irreparably damage democracy in pursuit of their own power.”
The coronavirus is a global issue. In this regard, Palouš said: “It requires an appropriate international response and joint action among the world’s democratic nations.” It also requires objective coordination—unclouded by ideology—among professionals in the fields of politics, economics, and science.
Finally, the expert stated that democracy, due to its capacity for self-reflection and self-transformation, is an essential tool for addressing both this pandemic and any future pandemics that may arise.