Between Brussels' Principles and Anglo-American Pragmatism: Vaccine Nationalism and European Strategic Vulnerability
In the initial phase of global COVID-19 vaccine distribution, a stark divergence emerged between the European model—built on multilateralism, institutional governance, and cross-border trade—and the Anglo-American model, which prioritized strategic nationalism and immediate domestic supply. This distinction was not merely a matter of supply chain mechanics; it reflected fundamentally different philosophies regarding international commitments, regulatory rigor, and crisis management. Institutional Norms vs. Utilitarian Nationalism The diplomatic friction surrounding vaccine acquisition stemmed from two opposing strategic frameworks: * The Anglo-American Approach: Rooted in utilitarian national security, prioritizing direct intervention and state-first allocation of critical resources. * The European Approach: Anchored in rules-based market operations, international contract law, and the assumption of reciprocity among long-standing allies. This divergence became apparent earl...