Osterholm offers a third foundational element which is much more psychological in nature. He believes that a carefully crafted and implemented realistic pandemic-response policy will only work if those in a position of leadership communicate in a way that is not only knowledgeable but also comforting. Osterholm points back to the “fireside chats” that Franklyn Roosevelt brought to the American people during the high-stress periods of World War II. What would a digitally mediated fireside chat look like in the mid-21st Century? Who would deliver this chat? Would it be delivered by a different respected leader in each nation or is there some global leader who has credibility in virtually all countries? Is the world sufficiently “flat” (Friedman, 2005) that a truthful yet reassuring message can be delivered in a universally compelling manner by a globally-acknowledge person of wisdom and integrity?
Collaborative Creation of the Future
While I agree with Osterholm regarding the need for competent and well-intended leaders who offer fireside chats (or the 21st Century equivalent), I think another foundational element must be in place if we are to successfully negotiate long-running pandemic wars while preserving our global societies. We need collective processes of wisdom and integrity that lead to the identification of benefits from both sides of the polarity. There must be both caring compassion and thoughtful consideration that goes well beyond the head or heart of an individual leader. Ultimately, I would suggest that it is about trust in leadership along with trust in collective wisdom and integrity. Furthermore, whether one is focusing on the actions taken by one person in a leadership position or many people operating in a collaborative manner, it is about trust in competence (consideration) along with trust in intentions (compassion) (Bergquist, Betwee and Meuel, 1995). Effective leadership coupled with effective collaborative action is a tall order—but it is essential if our global society is to successfully combat future pandemic invasions.
Social Constructive Dialogue
I would go even farther. Something even more fundamental must be in place—and this additional condition is truly psychological in nature. We must do something more than slow down our thinking and be both considerate and compassionate. We must collectively engage in extended, constructive conversations about policies and policies related to future pandemic challenges and to what Osterholm suggests is fundamental: how do we maintain (preserve) our society? These conversations must include members of our communities with diverse perspectives and expertise. Ultimately, we must engage an even broader, global set of communities—so that the conversation is truly “flat” and global. It is only in this format that we can successfully confront a virus that is itself beholding to a world that is becoming “flat.”
