The current COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis will push the United States into even greater social conflict.
This was stated in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta by the head of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Sustainable Development Goals, Jeffrey Sachs, answering the question whether the pandemic could finally bring the United States to healthcare for everyone, and not just those with who has insurance or a lot of money to go to the doctor.
“Rather, the pandemic will push America into even greater social conflict. Of course she needs healthcare for everyone, but the rich don't want to pay for it. This debate has been going on in the United States since 1948 and will not end. This is an example of corruption in the American political system, which is unable to agree on medicine for all, while all developed economies have long ago come to this,” the economist said.
In his opinion, there will be no return to the old life.
“The actions of politicians in the US and Europe have become such a failure that there can be no turning back. America is showing obvious sclerosis. It somehow reminds me of the Brezhnev times in the USSR, the country is ruled by the 70+ generation, and the system is paralyzed. There is a clear need for reform and a chance for it to happen. But the risk of conflict is also great. As with any global crisis, the outcome is not predetermined, but depends on the actions we take,” Sachs concluded.