The COVID-19 pandemic has been the largest, deadliest, and most impactful event to occur as of yet in the 21st century. The virus has caused the deaths of well over 170,000 people and infected nearly 3,000,000. Trillions of dollars have been lost as a result of economic stagnation, and millions of workers now find themselves unemployed. By the time a vaccine or anti-viral treatment is found, misery and pain will have entered the homes of hundreds of millions of innocent people.
Although the Chinese government did not engineer COVID-19 in a lab, it certainly assisted in its spread. During the early stages of the pandemic, it suppressed medical professionals, deceived the international community, and denied basic truths. These actions may have cost tens of thousands of lives, and perhaps even worsened COVID-19s spread at times it could’ve been halted. In Slaying the Dragon, a three-part miniseries, the Intelligence Ledger will analyze the PRC’s strategic objectives and discuss potential actions the United States can take to punish the government in Beijing. The challenge that lays before the United States is a difficult one, but not insurmountable. Our country has encountered strenuous times before, but each and every time, it has emerged stronger than before.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Army, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.