How State Capacity Shapes Human Security During Crises

This blog is based on an article in Social Policy and Society by Patricia Kennett, Suyeon Lee, Huck-ju Kwon and Ryan Lutz. Click here to access the article.

When the covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it tested nations in ways we had never seen before. How we responded to this global health crisis not only shaped our immediate handling of the situation but also laid the foundation for our long-term recovery and resilience. Looking closely at how different countries like the United Kingdom and South Korea responded, we can learn a lot about the effectiveness of various strategies. Each approach offers insights into what worked, what didn’t, and how we might better prepare for future challenges.

State capacity encompasses a government’s ability to implement effective policies, mobilize resources, and coordinate responses across strategic, organizational, and infrastructural domains. These capabilities are crucial not only for managing immediate crises but also for enhancing human security, which includes health, economic stability, social welfare, and overall well-being. Human security is fundamentally about creating environments where everyone, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, can live without fear of instability or injustice. It’s crucial that governments have the ability to provide necessary protection and support to these populations, as this directly influences their resilience in facing challenges.

South Korea’s response to the COVID-19 crisis was a testament to its robust organizational and technological capabilities. Building on insights gained from the MERS outbreak in 2015, South Korea had refined its public health strategies and emergency protocols well ahead of the pandemic. When COVID-19 began to spread, the country quickly implemented a comprehensive strategy that included extensive testing, diligent contact tracing, and effective public communications, all supported by strong technological infrastructure and capable healthcare services. This proactive and transparent approach not only managed to control the virus more effectively but also enabled South Korea to avoid drastic measures such as border closures and lockdowns, unlike some European nations like Spain and Italy. As a result, South Korea experienced minimal disruptions to daily life and the economy, successfully maintaining human security throughout the crisis.

This whole experience really highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience within governmental systems. Effective state capacity isn’t something that remains fixed; it needs to evolve continually in response to new threats and shifting needs within society. South Korea’s commitment to updating its healthcare protocols and boosting its tech infrastructure for better contact tracing and communication is a testament to its adaptive approach. Yet, this rapid advancement in surveillance for public health purposes also sparked a significant debate about privacy, reminding us all of the delicate balance that needs to be struck between safeguarding civil liberties and responding effectively to a health crisis.

In the UK, the government’s initial response to the COVID-19 crisis was marked by hesitation, which led to adopting a strategy focused on achieving herd immunity through minimal intervention. This approach unfortunately led to the virus spreading more broadly across the community, which later necessitated the implementation of stricter measures like a national lockdown. The initial hesitation exposed notable gaps in strategic planning and readiness, sparking significant public health challenges and leading to widespread economic and social disruptions. During those early months, the UK experienced higher mortality and infection rates, underlining the critical need for more proactive and agile government responses in managing such crises. 

Despite these early challenges, the UK strived to support its most affected sectors, particularly focusing on hospitality and retail where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) felt the brunt of the pandemic. Tailored financial support, including grants, tax relief, and favorable lending terms, was rolled out to cushion these industries against the harsh impacts of lockdowns and reduced consumer spending. This targeted approach contrasted with South Korea’s more generalized strategy during the crisis. Simultaneously, the UK showcased its innovative strengths in the realm of vaccine development, contributing significantly to both the creation and rapid deployment of COVID-19 vaccines. This effort not only bolstered the global fight against the pandemic but also underscored the UK’s capability for scientific breakthroughs under pressure.

Yet, despite these significant strides in managing the pandemic, it’s disheartening to see that both South Korea and the UK, nations considered well-prepared and affluent, struggled profoundly to protect their most vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly and women. It was particularly distressing to witness the elderly suffer in overcrowded care homes, where the virus spread rapidly, starkly revealing critical gaps in protective measures and resulting in heartbreakingly high mortality rates. The situation in South Korea was particularly grave, exacerbated by a delayed vaccination rollout that severely affected seniors, highlighting crucial lapses in the nation’s public health strategies.

The pandemic also deepened existing inequalities for many women in both countries. With a heavy heart, we saw many women who were predominantly employed in the service sector face heightened job insecurity and economic hardships as industries were battered by lockdowns and dwindling consumer spending. The closure of schools and childcare facilities added another layer of strain, compelling many women to juggle more caregiving responsibilities. This often forced them to cut down their working hours or even step away from their careers entirely, which is not only a setback for gender equality but also a personal and financial blow to these women and their families.

The lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight a crucial point: while strengthening state capacities for emergency response is essential, it’s equally important that these capabilities are inclusive and adaptable. Reflecting on our experiences during the pandemic, it becomes evident that our health and social systems must be robust yet sensitive to the needs of every segment of the community. This means that our systems must be sufficiently flexible to adapt resources and strategies to meet the specific challenges faced by different groups within the population, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially in times of crisis.

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About the authors

Patricia Kennett is Professor at the University of Bristol.

Suyeon Lee works at Korea University.

Huck ju-Kwon is Professor at Seoul National University.

Ryan Lutz is a PhD Student at the University of Bristol.