By defunding the WHO, the U.S. is threatening both its alliance system and adherence to the value of multilateral institutions, both critical to its long-term comprehensive national power.

Regardless of initial missteps, the most critical thing for governments and the international community to do in the fight against COVID-19 is to adapt quickly. While some states weigh the impacts of quarantine measures on the economy, some have identified strategies that balance public health with economic health.

Without closer scientific collaboration between China and the U.S., COVID-19 may well present increasing parts of the globe with a deadly fait accompli.