Spearheading the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine development and distribution are now key issues in the balance of power on the international stage. Investigating around the globe, the film sheds light on the everyone-for-himself approach of some and the selective solidarity of others.
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Mid-March 2020. The whole world closed in on itself to lock down like never before. The reason for this sudden shutdown? SARS-COV-2. The pathology caused by this coronavirus has a name, COVID-19. Very quickly, it becomes clear that only a vaccine will be able to contain this pandemic. It marks the beginning of a race in which the winners will gain political influence and prestige.
The vaccine quickly proves to be a new weapon to stoke the flames of old rivalries. It’s war with other means. From the spring of 2020, the four great powers China, Russia, Europe and the United States would enter into fierce competition.
This is the start of vaccine diplomacy. A story about public health but also of opportunity...