British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent warning the lifting of England’s third lockdown will be no “great open Sesame”, despite the fall in infections and encouraging progress of the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program, should come as no surprise to anyone who has been following the underlying dynamics of the virus. So, why did Johnson’s government not take this approach during the country’s first two lockdowns?

Although some remain inclined to point the finger at the government’s missteps, the explanation is more complex. It also holds important lessons for managing future crises.

Project Syndicate