The Covid-19 Pandemic Public Policies: The United Nations, The European Union and Türkiye

Abstract

This study delves into the public policies implemented by the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and Türkiye in their endeavors to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, which was initially reported to have emerged from the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province of the People's Republic of China in late 2019. Specifically, the study aims to examine and analyze the effectiveness of these actors in managing the Covid-19 and its impact on public health, the economy, and social well-being. Through a comparative lens, the study seeks to shed light on the national and global efforts undertaken by these actors to protect public health and mitigate the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic. To achieve its objectives, the study begins with providing a comprehensive understanding of the concept of public policy and its relevance in the context of managing public health crises. Furthermore, by providing a historical analysis of past pandemics, it engages in discussions on drawing lessons from previous experiences for the current pandemic's management and policymaking. Subsequently, the strategies that pursued by UN, the EU and Türkiye in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak are critically examined and evaluated. In order to make a comparison between different political organizational levels (international organization, regional cooperation, and nation-state) in combating the pandemic, these actors have been selected. The study assesses the efficacy, effectiveness, adaptability, problem-solving capacity, and establishment of global solidarity through an evaluation framework, which encompasses various criteria by using qualitative analysis methods. Subsequently, the study seeks to offer nuanced insights into the strengths, limitations, and lessons learned from the public policies formulated and implemented by these actors during the Covid-19 pandemic. By undertaking this academic inquiry, the study would contribute to the scholarly surrounding pandemic management and public policy formulation. It also contributes to the understanding of the effectiveness and impact of public policies in the context of a global health crisis and provides a background for public health policy makers and stakeholders. The analyzed public policies show that the actors basically pursue similar policies, but there are differences in terms of timing.