July 19, 2020 | View In Browser 

Illustration: Keith Negley

There is some reason to think that the coronavirus pandemic could reduce the risk of conflict between states: collapsing economies and sick populations may leave them less prepared to bear the costs of war. But the instability it breeds could elevate the risk of other kinds of violence—and the idea that the world is becoming more peaceful has always been built on shaky foundations. If the pandemic accelerates great-power discord and the breakdown of international cooperation, the threat of conflict is not going away.

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