Welcome to the Era of Vaccine Diplomacy

When it comes to vaccines, the best decision for any single nation will depend on the decisions and actions of other nations. So vaccine policies cannot, and should not, be made in isolation — which means, as the internet likes to say, that it’s time for some game theory.

Consider the United Arab Emirates’ recent approval of the new China-based Sinopharm vaccine. The vaccine was tested in the UAE for six weeks, and now there is an emergency-use authorization. By approving a vaccine early, the UAE government appears hands-on and efficient to its citizens. It might also improve its standing in the region, holding some bartering chips in the form of vaccine doses.