Investigating the WHO's Lack of Insulation from International Power Politics

ABSTRACT

The events of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan and the WHO's immediate response have garnered international media attention and popular criticism against the organization for being unduly deferential to Chinese reporting and, by extension, incapable of independent investigation and pandemic management. The study examines the WHO's efforts to contain international spread of the virus whilst managing its relationship with influential member states, namely the United States and China. It argues that the International Health Regulations (2005) are poorly insulated against underlying political dynamics and competition that are largely unrelated to international public health. That is, the existing framework governing pandemic events are susceptible to manipulation by influential member states with ulterior motives who do not abide by their reporting duties. Finally, the study suggests that, by promoting greater transparency and incorporating a dispute-settlement mechanism focused on adjudicating international health law-specific matters, the WHO will be better equipped to respond to future pandemics. © Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2023.