Advancing international cooperation as a strategy for managing pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic has fractured international relationships and challenged governments to adapt in new and unprecedented ways. This crisis has caused many governments to look inward and avoid a globalised response. However, using the case study of South Korea, the author argues that a more open approach and international collaboration are needed to tackle COVID-19 and to avert a future pandemic crisis. Relying on the policy innovation and policy transfer literature, this article suggests how countries can overcome some of the obstacles to international cooperation that may be needed for intra-crisis learning. The author uses policy documents, press briefings, and statements from the South Korean government to examine how the country has shared its expertise and resources in fighting COVID-19 with the international community. The South Korean government is also committed to strengthening the public health systems of developing countries to manage pandemic crises. The article concludes by proposing a way to translate lessons from South Korea into possible opportunities for international cooperation in pandemic crisis management.