Assessing the effects of calculated inaction on national responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

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Zahariadis N, Ceccoli S, Petridou E

Risk Hazards Crisis Public Policy - (-) - [2021-06-09; online 2021-06-09]

How does calculated inaction affect subsequent responses to the COVID-19 crisis? We argue that when governments employ calculated inaction during crises, they are more likely to manipulate the technical (scientific) aspects of national responses and highlight symbolic politics, each in the name of projecting power and strengthening the regime's governing authority. Using theoretical insight from McConnell and 't Hart's policy inaction typology, we investigate sense-making and crisis response narratives in China and Greece. We conclude with implications for policymaking and the crisis management literature.

Category: Other

Type: Journal article

PubMed 34226845

DOI 10.1002/rhc3.12230

Crossref 10.1002/rhc3.12230

pii: RHC312230
pmc: PMC8242484