Virus shakes image of Western superiority
By Kang Seung-wooAs the world confronts the coronavirus crisis, Western countries have been showing signs of surprising weakness. Meanwhile, Asian countries, including Korea, Taiwan and China, have been praised for their responses to the fast-spreading virus.The United States and some European countries have been struggling to contain the virus. There have been reports of ugly incidents from hoarding daily necessities to racist attacks against Asians. Some analysts believe the global image of Western developed countries has been damaged since they have failed to live up to expectations of competence. The result could be a decline in Western influence around the world.“It is true that there are signs that the image [of the West] is changing,” said Park Won-gon, a professor of international politics at Handong Global University. “The U.S., the world's most powerful country, was not the same one which played a leading role in dealing with the Ebola virus, as shown by medical staff begging for protective gear. In addition, European countries, regarded as among the most
