Pandemic Polarized Voters and Undermined Trust in Institutions

Two new books argue that the coronavirus pandemic caused a global increase in inflation, a collapse of trust in experts, and political polarization.

According to Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee of Princeton University, lockdowns hit the poor harder, while governments borrowed vast sums to support economies. Direct federal spending on coronavirus relief in the U.S. amounted to $5 trillion.

Sweden, which did not impose strict measures, had one of the lowest excess mortality rates in Europe.

The pandemic exacerbated political disagreements, with Democrats supporting lockdowns and vaccines, while Republicans were more skeptical. The pandemic tested institutions, with public health authorities losing credibility.

Anders Tegnell, the architect of Sweden's Covid-19 policy, stated that "the world has gone mad" seeing the reactions of other countries.