Failed to cooperate: The US-China rivalry in the time of Covid-19 pandemic

It is both apt and relevant to include content on the theory of Realism in global international relations – an approach of political science, statesmanship and diplomacy that has influenced war and peace over the centuries and continues to do so today. In fact, the current Chinese-US conflict may be characterised by Realism more than any other school of thought. One cannot help but wonder why the US and Chinese government did not live up to the expectations of other nations and world citizens who would love to see them share their immense resources and collaborate on fighting the new, threatening Covid-19 disease, by sharing information and expertise, working on a vaccine-producing program, and planning together. That, unfortunately, did not transpire. The purpose of this research is to explore,analyse, and provide answers on why the Chinese-American relations deteriorated in the World Health Organization, in general, and the Global Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, I analyse the reasons for the conflict, its escalation, and management. The methods used for producing the answers utilise the qualitative method, making maximum use of reliable, authentic resources in the form of published books, specialised magazine and newspaper articles, government data, an authoritative highlevel official testimony, and a speech. Content and thematic methods have been used, and the trustworthiness of the data thus established. The thesis uses primary and secondary data collection, including quotes of those directly involved in the issues.