Commentary and Analysis

With high-profile suspensions of the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccine, fear of potential side effects and uneven efficacy of vaccine rollouts are causing concern for some.

For Brazil’s President Bolsonaro, a consequence of mishandling COVID-19 could be losing the 2022 presidential election.

Council and IranPoll surveys find that Iranians and Americans think the United States handled COVID-19 poorly, while Iranians are proud of their country’s response.

Outbreaks continue to emerge even as vaccinations increase; some countries feel safe to engage in more normal activities while others introduce new restrictions.

It has now been a year since many nations began to implement restrictions due to the pandemic. As the global health crisis drags into its second year, more people seek the vaccine as a way to return to normal.

COVID-19 cases are on the decline worldwide and in some countries, people are feeling hopeful as they recover aspects of their pre-COVID lives. 

Most Americans trust the information they receive from medical experts, distrust what they see on social media, and there is a partisan divide on trusting information from the US government and media.

Even as the vaccine rollout continues, some nations consider greater restrictions and further lockdowns as case numbers increase.

Ivo Daalder, Samuel Kling, and Will Johnson examine a new poll showing metropolitan residents remain committed to cities amid the pandemic, but want solutions for the longstanding problems of urban life.

With vaccination efforts under way, some hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight, while others feel uneasy due to distribution issues and immense pressures on the health care system.