Book Review: Biosecurity, Economic Collapse, the State to Come: Political Power in the Pandemic and Beyond by Christos Boukalas

• Published date: 01 March 2025
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/10575677241278740
• Author: Akhyarusy Syuhur
• Date: 01 March 2025
• Subject Matter: Book Reviews

and innovations introduced during this period. The editors and contributors offer a balanced analysis,

acknowledging thebenef‌its of digital justice while cautioning against potential risks. Theemphasis on

judicial independence and the rule oflaw is particularly pertinent, giventhe heightened vulnerability of

these principles during crises.

The book’s strength lies in its detailed case studies and comparative analyses, which provide valu-

able insights into the varying responses and adaptations across different countries. The contributors’

diverse perspectives enrich the narrative, making it a valuable resource for policymakers, legal prac-

titioners, and scholars. The book calls for a balanced approach to digital justice and underscores the

importance of maintaining judicial independence even in times of crisis.

The insights provided in this volume are especially useful to contemporary discussions on legal

reform and public policy. By offering a detailed, cross-national perspective on the adaptations and

challenges faced by judicial systems, the book underscores the need for a balanced approach to

digital justice and the importance of maintaining judicial independence. This book serves as a valu-

able roadmap for anyone engaged in these f‌ields, and its contributions are crucial for informing

ongoing debates about the future of justice in a post-pandemic world, ensuring that judicial

systems remain resilient, accessible, and equitable. In the end, the reviewers thank Lembaga

Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) for supporting this review through the scholarship program.

Declaration of Conf‌licting Interests

The authors declared no potential conf‌licts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or

publication of this article.

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following f‌inancial support for the research, authorship, and/or

publication of this article: This work was supported by the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan.

ORCID iD

Sulastri Sangadji https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0138-838X

Boukalas, Christos (2023).

Biosecurity, Economic Collapse, the State to Come: Political Power in the Pandemic and Beyond. Routledge. 226 pp.

£125.00, ISBN: 978-1-032-29999-0 (hardback); £39.99, ISBN: 978-1-032-30002-3 (paperback); £35.99, ISBN:

978-1-003-30298-8 (eBook).

Reviewed by: Akhyarusy Syuhur ,Universitas Gadjah Mada

DOI: 10.1177/10575677241278740

Biosecurity, Economic Collapse, the State to Come: Political Power in the Pandemic and Beyond,

by Christos Boukalas, offers a deep exploration of how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped state

power and governance, focusing primarily on the United States and European nations. Boukalas

explains how the simultaneous crises in biosecurity and the economy have led to the emergence

of a “despotic state,”characterized by extraordinary powers and a focus on maintaining social

order. This book is essential for scholars and students in politics, security studies, sociology, law,

political economy, and public health, providing valuable insights into the interaction between

health security and economic stability.

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