Thriving through persisting global uncertainty
The outbreak of the novel Covid-19 pandemic changed the global socio-political landscape in unimaginable ways and ushered in the new normal. This phenomenon resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, exacerbating existing structural inequalities while highlighting the cleavages between the haves and have-nots. It exposed leadership vacuums, dilapidated healthcare infrastructure, and medical gatekeeping. It fostered procurement irregularities, vaccine-related corruption, human rights abuses, and the implementation of stringent laws. It allowed the implementation of country-specific bans and restrictions while enforcing the complete shutdown of countries. It witnessed the rise in miscommunication and the spread of disinformation.
Likewise, the pandemic displayed the adaptability and resilience of people. It stressed and normalized the prioritization of mental health, along with the necessity to achieve a work-life- and school-life balance. It slowed down hustle culture and changed the world of work. It fostered numerous opportunities to connect virtually and share platforms in unimaginable ways. It fast-tracked technological advancements and Artificial Intelligence. Sadly, nearly three years after this life-changing event, the world still finds itself plagued by persisting uncertainty, wars, violent insurgencies, natural disasters, and increased human insecurity.
As political science scholars this prompts us to reimagine the world we live in, investigate its challenges, and propose viable and sustainable policy recommendations that can change our environments. It challenges us to theorize and produce pragmatic analysis. Moreover, it encourages global dialogue and the establishment of platforms that foster a free flow of information that allows us to learn and share. It allows axiological investigation that can assist us in promoting the values we wish to embody as future leaders, scholars, office-bearers, and global changemakers. The optimist in me believes that this would allow us to reach a shared humanity rooted in a caring nature that may meaningfully contribute towards reduced inequality, improved governance, and the promotion of peace and sustainability. While some may defer, may we continue to engage in pressing global issues to find lasting solutions that will positively benefit future generations? This generation of scholars has great global contributions to make and we wait in anticipation to share your thoughts, works, and visions.
– Sanet Solomon, ADV Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Sanet Solomon serves as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of ADV. She is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the University of the Free State and a Lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
