On May 20, Andrew S. Natsios, executive professor at Bush School of Government and Public Service held a special lecture The Geostrategic Consequences of COVID-19 for the XXVII Generation of Future Studies and members of the BOS alumni network.Professor stated that many factors influence countries' response to the pandemic, such as the level of economic development, demography and population structure, pointing out that, for example, the large percentage of Italian population that is over the 65 years old had greatly influenced mortality rates in this country. He warned that the search for a cure and a vaccine has big implications at the international level, where even allied countries can become competitors to each other over this issue. In his opinion, the current international trends and rivalries, such as the one between the United States and China, will increase in scope and accelerate as a consequence of the pandemic. During the insightful Q&A session, professor Natsios highlighted that the conclusion we should draw from the pandemic is the need for a better equipped global response system that could include the creation of new international bodies and organizations.

The lecture was organized as a part of extra-curricular activities within the BOS Future Studies, a one-year programme of nonformal education. The programme includes multidisciplinary knowledge and skills modules, Alumni2Students mentoring programme, internship programme, final project, and many side activities.