Whether caused by natural disasters, economic crises or major political upheavals, global events have the potential to impact nations far beyond their boundaries. Such events can result in significant changes to international relations and economies, as well as influencing cultural practices and artistic expressions.
The severity of the impacts of these events is often uneven, and this can have a direct effect on individuals, communities and nations. The spread of pandemics, including the Plague (541 AD), influenza (in 1918) and COVID-19 is a clear example of this. The effects of climate change are also a global systematic problem that affects all places, although its intensity differs between regions and individuals.
Hosting a global event also has the potential to significantly increase domestic tourism in the host country, as well as providing a platform for international dialogue and cooperation on important issues. However, this comes with the risk of generating negative stereotypes and controversies that could have an adverse impact on the reputation of the host nation or region.
Technology is changing the way in which global events are organised and designed. They are no longer a “space” or “where” but, rather, increasingly a “how”. In future they will be able to defeat the catastrophism of today by connecting human, artificial and collective intelligence and showing their near and distant visitors a winning cooperative model on the challenges of our time. If you are a Loughborough student and have been personally or indirectly affected by the effects of global events, please speak to your Wellbeing Adviser or Personal Tutor for support.
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