TOKYO -- The world economy has slowed amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, throwing a huge number of people out of work. People's anxieties and worries keep growing as economic conditions are unlikely to improve anytime soon.
The current situation threatens peace and security around the world. When political leaders find themselves in difficult domestic political positions, it is hard for them to be flexible in solving conflicts with other countries. Some might be tempted to get tough on other nations to avert domestic discontent.