Will governments use pandemic emergency orders to expand their powers indefinitely?
Will governments around the world use the pandemic to grab more power and override individual rights? Many scholars, pundits and journalists have been asking that question. Public opinion polls suggest that most Americans, and many others around the globe, currently accept the public health orders that restrict their movements and businesses. However, such acceptance is premised on the belief that such restrictions will end at some point. As policymakers begin to discuss reopening plans and some countries begin to declare victory over covid-19, will they restore the rights they’ve limited?
That depends in part on whether the emergency orders include a sunset provision — and whether nations have active and independent civil societies that are ready to hold governments to account.… Seguir leyendo »