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Chinese and US health diplomacy as a soft power tool during Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics
Kratschmer, Adam ; Hornát, Jan (advisor) ; Raška, Francis (referee)
This master's thesis addresses health diplomacy as a tool of 'soft power' and focuses on a comparative analysis of the health strategies of China and the United States. It examines health policy strategy as a means of influence in three selected African countries: Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. These countries were most affected by the Ebola epidemic, and the thesis tracks how the strategies of the USA and China changed from Ebola to COVID-19 epidemic. The study employs case study methodology and assesses the nature, scope, and course of health diplomacy initiatives of both countries. The analysis is structured according to five key aspects of health diplomacy: aid and assistance, cooperation and collaboration, communication and messaging, long-term investment and partnerships, and impact and acceptance. The findings of the thesis indicate that during both epidemics, the USA provided technical expertise and financial assistance, while China focused on direct aid and infrastructure investment. Even though China tried to create the impression of a reliable global partner, it is evident from the analysis that it mainly preferred bilateral relations and especially strengthened its own influence. Although there was cooperation between the USA and China during Ebola, the dynamics changed during...
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