Public Health Cooperation in Zones of Conflict
Pandemics and Peace examines disease surveillance networks of the Mekong Basin, Middle East, and East Africa to answer to interrelated questions: Why is interstate cooperation in an area of national vulnerability occurring among countries with a history of conflict? How do public-private networks deliver transnational public goods (health), and what factors facilitate or impede effective and legitimate transnational governance?
Pandemics and Peace examines disease surveillance networks of the Mekong Basin, Middle East, and East Africa to answer two interrelated questions. First, “Why is inter-state cooperation in an area of national vulnerability occurring among countries with a history of conflict?” Second, because key participants in each of these transnational networks include both public and private actors, “How do these public-private networks deliver transnational public goods (health) and what factors facilitate or impede effective and legitimate transnational governance?”
Drawing on international relations theory, Long presents an integrated explanation that demonstrates the processes by which interests, institutions, and ideas can align to allow for interstate cooperation even in unfavorable environments, rather than advocating a theory of international cooperation alone. As for transnational governance, he generates working propositions on what make these new forms of public-private governance effective and legitimate for further scholarly investigation; and creates analytical frameworks for practitioners grappling with transnational problems generally.
Turning to U.S. global health diplomacy in infectious disease control, Long contends that this arena presents an unparalleled opportunity for American leadership in global public health that could deepen bilateral ties, foster regional cooperation and stability, and burnish America’s image globally. Emphasizing that strengthening foreign capacity in infectious disease control is vital for U.S. security and economic interests, he concludes with detailed policy recommendations and suggestions for further research.
“This excellent book is rich in information and insight, comprehensively conceived, with wise and timely policy suggestions. Long provides a detailed analysis of three regional organizations that cooperatively conduct infectious disease surveillance programs that function among countries with contentious relations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. This is an admirable work based on solid research and a thorough use of relevant theories.”
William J. Long is professor and chair at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is the author of three books and numerous articles on conflict resolution, international cooperation, and trade and technology transfer policy. He was a senior fellow at the U.S. Institute of Peace in 2009-10.