Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.

A year and a half ago, as the enormity of the Covid-19 pandemic dawned on the world, we were truly confronted by a black swan event. Since then, even though we may have addressed some facets of a very complex challenge, it continues its devastating course across geographies. Understandably, the world's attention is focused primarily on the public health response. The economic consequences of the pandemic were also immediately felt, though its social ones are now also being realized. What perhaps is yet to be fully comprehended is its long-term impact on the global order, including on the future of Asia.