<p><span>Though some economies have begun reopening, many people around the world are battening down for an indefinite period of extreme social distancing. Loneliness can be a destructive force. The toll of isolation on people’s health has been well documented, but isolation can also </span><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-political-consequences-of-loneliness-and-isolation-during-the-pandemic">be a potent political tool</a><span>, one often wielded by autocrats and despots.<span> </span></span><a href="https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/masha-gessen">Masha Gessen</a><span> joins Dorothy Wickenden to discuss how the pandemic is reshaping politics, for better and for worse.</span></p>
Though some economies have begun reopening, many people around the world are battening down for an indefinite period of extreme social distancing. Loneliness can be a destructive force. The toll of isolation on people’s health has been well documented, but isolation can also be a potent political tool, one often wielded by autocrats and despots. Masha Gessen joins Dorothy Wickenden to discuss how the pandemic is reshaping politics, for better and for worse.