Post-pandemic global political dynamics have experienced significant changes that affect international relations, domestic policies and global stability. One of the main impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic is a shift in power among major powers, with the US, China and Russia becoming the main actors in this new landscape. China’s active involvement in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) shows its efforts to expand its influence in Asia, Africa and Europe. However, the rise of nationalism in various countries, including the United States with its ‘America First’ policy, emphasizes the uncertainty in international cooperation. The decision of many countries to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on global supply chains is a phenomenon that needs attention. This creates challenges for countries that depend on international trade. The issue of climate change is also getting more attention after the pandemic. Increasingly frequent scientific reports suggest that health crises may be the result of environmental degradation. This sparked international conferences such as COP26, where countries sought to find comprehensive solutions to pressing environmental issues. Climate change mitigation has now become an integral part of the foreign policies of various countries. On the other hand, geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing, especially in the South China Sea. Conflicting territorial claims between China and several neighboring countries have attracted the attention of many parties, including the United States, which sent warships to the region as a form of support for its allied countries. The presence of the US military in this region adds complexity to global political dynamics. In Europe, political dynamics are changing with the rise of populism which offers an alternative to old policies. The migration crisis and economic impact of the pandemic have strengthened anti-immigration sentiment. Countries such as Hungary and Poland are pushing back against EU policies, challenging the democratic norms promoted by Brussels. It cannot be denied that information and communication technology also plays a big role in post-pandemic politics. The use of social media as a tool for political mobilization is becoming more widespread, enabling young people to become actively involved in the political process. However, this also raises new challenges in the form of disinformation which can disrupt social stability. The global health crisis provides valuable lessons about the importance of multilateral cooperation. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international institutions must be strengthened for response capabilities to similar crises in the future. Countries need to realize that global challenges cannot be solved individually, but require solid cross-border cooperation. Changes in how diplomacy works, with the shift to virtual meetings during the pandemic, have changed the dynamics of international negotiations. The physical limitations seen during the pandemic are forcing countries to explore new methods of interacting, accelerating the adoption of technology in diplomacy. Finally, the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic is affecting political stability in many countries. A global economy that has not fully recovered has the potential to trigger social protests and dissatisfaction. Countries that are unable to properly handle the economic fallout face the risk of increased political instability, which is a major concern for global leaders.
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