Introduction: “There is Hope After Despair and Many Suns After Darkness”

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China in late 2019, has emerged as a pivotal moment in world history with far-reaching implications for international relations and global politics. This unprecedented global event has deeply influenced and transformed various spheres of human life, including politics, economics, social relations, and everyday practices. Within the realm of international relations, a key area of study, COVID-19 has left an indelible mark, analogous to the mutating nature of the virus itself.