Opinion: It’s time to treat pandemics as threats to national security

In the wake of the unprecedented global impact of the coronavirus pandemic, experts have drawn comparisons to historical outbreaks that reshaped societies and economies. Among these, 15 of history's deadliest pandemics stand out for their catastrophic consequences and the unique circumstances that ultimately brought them to an end. These include the Antonine Plague, the Black Death, the Spanish Flu, and others, each marked by high mortality rates and profound societal disruption. Understanding how these past pandemics concluded offers insight into the factors that can mitigate future outbreaks. The Antonine Plague, which ravaged the Roman Empire in the second century CE, is estimated to have killed up to 5 million people. Though its exact cause remains debated, historians believe it may have been smallpox or measles. The plague significantly weakened the empire, contributing to the decline of Rome. Its eventual cessation is attributed to the natural progression of the disease, with immunity developing among survivors and the population gradually recovering. Similarly, the Black Death, which swept through Europe in the 14th century, claimed millions of lives. The bubonic plague, carried by fleas on rats, devastated cities and led to widespread social upheaval. The end of the Black Death came not through medical intervention but through demographic shifts, population loss reduced the number of susceptible hosts, allowing the disease to wane. The 1918-1919 Spanish Flu, though not originating in Spain, became known as such due to early reports from there. It infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide and caused around 17 million deaths. Unlike many previous pandemics, the Spanish Flu was exacerbated by World War I, as troop movements facilitated its spread. The virus eventually faded as the war ended and populations began to develop immunity. Modern pandemics, such as HIV/AIDS and SARS, have also left indelible marks on global health systems. HIV/AIDS, which emerged in the late 20th century, has claimed over 35 million lives globally. While antiretroviral therapy has transformed the disease from a death sentence to a manageable condition, the lack of a vaccine continues to pose challenges. SARS, which broke out in 2002, was contained through strict quarantine measures and enhanced surveillance, demonstrating the importance of coordinated public health responses. The current coronavirus pandemic, which began in late 2019, has proven to be one of the most disruptive in modern times. With over 6 million confirmed deaths globally, it has strained healthcare systems, disrupted economies, and altered daily life on an unprecedented scale. Unlike some historical pandemics, the coronavirus has been addressed through scientific advancements, including rapid vaccine development and widespread immunization efforts. However, the pandemic has also exposed vulnerabilities in global preparedness. Experts argue that treating pandemics as national security threats rather than mere public health crises could enhance resilience. The U.S. experience with the coronavirus revealed gaps in leadership and coordination, particularly within government agencies responsible for managing infectious diseases. The National Security Council, traditionally focused on military and geopolitical issues, lacked expertise in biosecurity during the initial stages of the crisis. Efforts to improve pandemic readiness have included legislative actions, such as the creation of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response. However, these initiatives have faced challenges, including insufficient funding and limited engagement from intelligence communities typically tasked with monitoring global threats. The role of intelligence agencies in tracking emerging infectious diseases remains underdeveloped, despite the potential for cross-border collaboration to prevent future outbreaks. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing effects of the coronavirus, the lessons from past pandemics underscore the necessity of robust, adaptive strategies. Whether through improved surveillance, stronger international cooperation, or a shift in how societies perceive and respond to infectious threats, the path forward will require sustained effort and investment. The ultimate resolution of the current pandemic, like those before it, will depend on a combination of scientific progress, policy reform, and collective action.