Problems of Minimizing the Socio-economic Consequences of

COVID-19 Distribution in the Context of Ensuring Political Stability

Oleg Evgenyevich Grishin

1,2 a

, Olga Alekseevna Nesterchuk

1,3 b

and Sergey Ivanovich Popov

Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia

Russian State Social University, Moscow, Russia

Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation,

Moscow, Russia

Keywords: Covid 19, Pandemic, Political Stability, Economic Policy, Government Management, Sustainable

Development.

Abstract: In the article, the authors analyze the range of problems associated with the consequences of the spread of

coronavirus infection, making the study focus on resolving socio-economic issues in the context of ensuring

political stability. The urgency of the study is determined by the presence (absence) of the effectiveness of

the functioning of information and communication channels in the social sphere, concerning messages about

public health, prevention of outbreaks of epidemics and pandemics. Recommendations of a socio-political

nature to mitigate the identified negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the regional

characteristics of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are in demand. The impact of the pandemic

on the world economy, regional partnerships, socio-economic factors of human existence is noted. It is shown

that different states solve the problems of fighting the virus in different ways. The authors believe that when

solving state problems of minimizing the socio-economic consequences of the spread of COVID-19 in the

context of ensuring political stability, an integrated interdisciplinary approach is required. It has been

demonstrated that it is quite difficult for governments to assess the effects and find effective answers to solving

the problem of minimizing the consequences of the spread of a pandemic coronavirus infection because of its

scale. Some directions of reducing the negative socio-economic consequences of the spread of COVID-19 are

given, taking into account provision of political stability. The authors complement the existing study

approaches to solving the problem of reducing the degree of negative factors affecting the deterioration of the

socio-economic situation in communities.

1 INTRODUCTION

The demand for the study is due to the economic,

political and social consequences during the COVID-

19 pandemic and after its completion. It is important

to compare the actions of governments in

authoritarian and democratic states, to compare the

actions of global and regional international

organizations, to analyze changes in the world order,

the consequences for the socio-economic and

political systems of different countries. It is necessary

to carry out a comprehensive study when studying the

consequences of a pandemic in the context of



https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0669-1012

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8776-2694

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2171-5817

ensuring political stability. During the pandemic,

different states have transformed their economic

policies in different ways. They calculate human and

economic costs using macroeconomic models in the

short and long term. Economic policy during a

pandemic involves the use of study approaches to

crisis management to find the effectiveness of

monetary policy, fiscal policy and possible economic

solutions in the post-pandemic period. An analysis of

the situation before and after the pandemic is

necessary to develop effective measures of state

policy to revive the national economy, starting with a

basic analysis of the transformation of development

Grishin, O., Nesterchuk, O. and Popov, S.

Problems of Minimizing the Socio-Economic Consequences of COVID-19 Distribution in the Context of Ensuring Political Stability.

DOI: 10.5220/0011117600003439

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Scientiﬁc and Practical Conference "COVID-19: Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals" (RTCOV 2021), pages 203-207

ISBN: 978-989-758-617-0

203

to specific tasks of economic policy in each country

in the context of the regional economy and the

conditions of life of society [3; 8; 11]. Therefore, the

stated problem is of interest to political scientists,

sociologists, economists, which once again

emphasizes its scale and urgency of the study. The

core of the study is based on the negative impact on

the national and global economy. The social policy of

the state shall be aimed at correct modeling and

comprehensive regulation of the dynamics of the

pandemic of coronavirus infection by state authorities

and administration, and their significant efforts in the

field of unknown parameters of mass disease,

disclosure of new waves of the pandemic, it is also

necessary to obtain additional information to create

and regulate quarantine measures.

2 STUDY METHODS

When studying the issues of minimizing the socio-

economic consequences of the spread of COVID-19

in the context of ensuring political stability, the

authors used systemic, structural-functional and

interdisciplinary approaches to the problem under

study. The study basis was the publications of

domestic and foreign authors - specialists in the field

of public administration and political stability,

political scientists, sociologists and economists. The

study methods were content analysis of mass media,

participant observation, event analysis, case studies.

3 STUDY RESULTS

The authors believe that minimizing the socio-

economic consequences of the spread of COVID-19

is an integral part of political stability. Stability is a

stable state that is not subject to significant changes.

Stable development, therefore – the ability to

constancy of any parameters of the dynamic state, the

preservation of basic elements during the transition

from one qualitative status to another, from the old to

the new one. As a rule, political stability is considered

as a qualitative condition (property) of the stability of

the system, that is, its state in which the potential is

maintained to autonomously realize relative

constancy within the system and to remain in its

previous specified parameters. “Political stability is

an opportunity that remains with the constancy of

integratively significant parts (even under conditions

of destabilization of some parts of the system), the

likelihood of developing and adapting to

transformations” [1]. The authors agree with this

statement. Political stability, in general terms, implies

a phased, progressive, step-by-step growth of certain

indicators of the vital activity of society and the state,

characterizing them as an integral well and jointly

functioning organism. Political stability can be

viewed as a pivotal factor for socio-economic

stability and security.

It is stated that there are many points of view,

studies, forecasts and practical projects that illustrate

the various directions and paths that states and

societies can follow in the field of sustainable

development and political stability when the

pandemic ends to prepare for a possible repetition of

this kind of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has

caused severe human suffering and significant

damage to national economies, affecting both wealthy

and developing countries. It is predicted that the

consequences of the pandemic will be protracted [4].

In this regard, states need to include a wide range of

activities to maintain sustainable development and

political stability in their countries. Currently, there is

an urgent need to create an innovative methodology

to overcome the global crisis provoked by the

coronavirus infection, which has caused serious

damage to the world economy, exacerbating the

problem of poverty (impoverishment), causing a

number of deprivations and jeopardizing the ability to

earn a normal livelihood. Taken together, such

negative impacts can maximize the implementation

of sustainable development programs and preserve

the political stability of states and societies, as well as

form, with the proper approach, new methods and

ways to provide a basis for future government efforts

to restore the previous socio-economic situation.

The analysis showed that Russia ranks sixth in the

ranking of countries calculated in terms of gross

domestic product for October of 2021 [5]. Wherein,

China firmly occupies the leading first place, despite

the fact that it was there that the pandemic began. This

is primarily due to tough and timely measures taken

to curb the spread of the disease. China's GDP is

expected to grow by 8 % in 2021 and by 4.9 % in

2022 [10]. In Russia, small businesses, tourism,

fitness, shoe and clothing stores, and grocery stores

have suffered the most. The population's ability to pay

has fallen sharply. Wherein, food delivery services

have grown exponentially.

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Figure 1: Ranking of countries by gross domestic product in 2021 [5].

The analysis showed that it is quite difficult to

assess the effects and find the correct answers to

government authorities and authorities and specialists

involved in solving the COVID-19 problem due to its

scale. Basically, the study focus is on six main areas:

public health, economics (tourism, agriculture, self-

sufficiency, etc.), finance, social tensions, public

policy and regional partnerships [2]. The

normalization of these areas presupposes the search

for urgent solutions for the system of state

management of the economy and development in

order to balance the life of communities.

Wherein, the original point of view is expressed

by the professor of economics at the University of

UCLA O. Itskhoki, who believes that it was a big

surprise that the lockdown does not have such a

strong effect on economic activity. In his opinion, the

United States gave an interesting example, there are

many states that have implemented different policies

of state regulation of the pandemic. California had

tougher measures, Texas less. However, their

economic trajectories don't diverge very much.

Further, he notes that people themselves strongly

regulate their economic behavior, and the economy is

not so strongly connected with the course of the

pandemic [7].

Therefore, the relevance of the study is necessary

in the context of analyzing the social nature of the

COVID-19 pandemic and the level of its impact, in

its attachment to specific territories and regions,

human-environmental interaction, this is especially

important for the Russian Federation due to its

territorial scale. The limitation of socio-economic

mobility carries a socio-psychological burden for the

population, and, as a rule, economic costs affecting

the representation of the state during this crisis period.

In this regard, adaptive socio-economic instruments

formed and implemented by the Russian state on the

basis of socio-political theories, research and

practices are important.

4 RESULT DISCUSSION

The global pandemic crisis has reduced industrial and

commercial activities, the use of transport, which in

turn has led to a decrease in environmental pollution.

Slowing down economic activity requires the

commitment of public administration to the formation

of new regulations for economic recovery based on

the principles of sustainable development. The

coronavirus has shown the fragility of an economic

system based on maximizing profits and siphoning

resources. This model gave rise to many problems, in

this regard, it is necessary to revise the social goals of

business and create a new sustainable world with the

help of innovative economic tools. Let's suppose that

the new economic policy can be based on energy and

environmental transition plans and projects and on a

circular economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the security

measures consolidated with it hit the global economy

and affected the basis of the existing socio-economic

and business models, which have so far undergone

complex multifaceted multifaceted changes.

Industrialized countries are experiencing a prolonged

economic decline and a slowdown in growth rates,

usually associated with demographic and

technological development, growing demand for

asset savings, and etc. This becomes an additional

burden on government budgets. These kinds of trends

limit monetary and tax policies aimed at stabilizing

the economy [9].

The pandemic has exacerbated inequality among

countries and increased the crisis in the economy and

politics, eliminating the tendencies of neoliberalism

5 000

10 000

15 000

20 000

25 000

30 000

China USA India Japan Germany Russia Indonesia Brazil United

Kingdom

France

Problems of Minimizing the Socio-Economic Consequences of COVID-19 Distribution in the Context of Ensuring Political Stability

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with a detrimental effect on the development of

democracy and increased the opportunities for a "left

turn" [6]. The authors of the article agree with this

statement.

It is important to note that the specificity of the

socio-economic policy of Russia was manifested

during the period of the spread of coronavirus

infection. COVID-19 has forever changed the lives of

people around the world, including in Russia. This

situation prompted the state and society to form and

implement different approaches to public

administration and regulation in the socio-economic

and political spheres, to strive for a common constant

desired future. The measures of social and economic

support for Russians are of a large-scale and

unprecedented nature. Currently, a search for new

views on political leadership and public

administration is underway, considering the negative

results of the pandemic, this follows from the

experience of the new management paradigms that

will subsequently allow to effectively cope with

unpredictable and rapidly changing crisis conditions,

complex and ambiguous.

In the context of the crisis and the search for a

balance of systemic social measures implemented by

the state on an ongoing basis, the need for organizing

new models of safe life for citizens, teleworking,

communication, business communications, as well as

building new organizational foundations of health

care that will be able to withstand the challenges of

the pandemic and other potential threats to the life and

health of citizens. Wherein, striving for an effective

result, without causing the development of social

dependency in society.

In a pandemic, many countries are hesitant to

adopt aggressive methods and methods to contain the

spread of coronavirus, believing that this will cause

significant damage to their national economies. A

dilemma arises between saving lives and economic

development. The analysis shows that, nevertheless,

the tough measures of the governments make it

possible to effectively cope with the unfavorable

situation. Enhanced border and entry controls, travel

control throughout the country are among them. Such

measures can negatively affect the stock market, on

the other hand, other restrictions practically do not

affect the stock market return. Therefore, public

policy can be very effective in the fight against

coronavirus. It is therefore important to strike a

balance between tough tackling the pandemic and

economic development.

Therefore, governments in low-income countries

generally find it difficult to cope with the increased

demand for health services, requiring rapid

government and policy decisions to protect the most

vulnerable social groups and affected sectors of the

economy. The analysis of models of socio-economic

assistance to citizens and regions as complex systems

and structures, their modification during a pandemic

is in demand. It is necessary to build a system of

indicators for measuring the effectiveness of the fight

against coronavirus infection in nation states,

describing them using socio-political and

macroeconomic indicators (GDP, government

spending, inequality, infrastructure formation, and

etc.).

5 CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the analysis showed that insufficient study

and, as a result, the lack of harmonious formation and

implementation of measures to minimize the socio-

economic consequences of the spread of COVID-19

can lead to impoverishment of the population

(poverty) and environmental degradation. It is

necessary to have a clear conceptual framework for

understanding the main problems of sustainable

development in developing and developed countries.

It is necessary to use interdisciplinary and holistic

approaches to assessing the interdependencies

between pandemic threats, industrial activities,

economic risk, poverty and social vulnerability to

facilitate the development and adoption of effective

socio-political decisions in the context of ensuring

political stability actually while minimizing the

socio-economic consequences of the spread of

COVID-19.

The peculiarity of the situation with the

coronavirus infection pandemic lies in the uniqueness

of the actions of the governments of different

countries, which in turn predetermines the wealth of

crisis management experience that shall be studied.

The actions of political leaders and political

institutions were transformed, a new awareness of

cross-border threats emerged, which spread to health

care, economic and socio-political systems.

Therefore, it is necessary to investigate new

mechanisms of the state's socio-economic policy in

the current crisis situation in the context of ensuring

political stability.

The global pandemic affects the social sphere of

an individual's life. It demonstrated that for all the

coverage of the disease, the response to it is local in

nature, as a rule, within one state. In this regard,

effective response methods depend on the level of

development of public administration, the political

situation, use of social technologies and innovations,

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on the perception and behavior of citizens. The

coronavirus pandemic has affected the rich and the

poor, urban and rural segments of the economy,

developed and developing countries and communities

in different ways. It has shaped a new political agenda

for the medium and maybe long term period.

Innovative developments are needed in the

application of socio-economically effective methods

for assessing socio-political risks, especially in the

context of a lack of budgetary resources. This is

especially important for assessing socio-economic

risks in developing countries, given the

underdeveloped regulatory institutions and limited

resources. Overcoming the socio-economic risks

contributes to preservation and maintenance of the

political stability of communities.

We need new approaches to building a model of

interaction "state - business - society". Support and

regulation from the state is required by the affected

sectors of the economy, this is also an important

social task (creation of new jobs, subsidies,

investments, and etc.), thereby affecting the

sustainable development of the national economy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The study was carried out with the support of the

Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. The code of

the research and development topic "Technologies for

Ensuring Political Stability in Modern Russia" is

100701-0-000.

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