This paper discusses the increasing role of China and its rivalry with the United States in global health governance. COVID-19 has presented new challenges in the domain of global health, marked by the debate between unilateral and multilateral approaches to dealing with the pandemic. US declining role poses a threat to the spirit of multilateralism and the prospects for global health governance. When global health governance is on the brink of collapse, China upholds a multilateral approach to lead collective action to defeat the virus. This research utilizes qualitative research method and literature study to collect research data sourced from secondary data sources. Using the concept of rising powers in the realm of global health governance, the results of this study show that the pandemic has offered China a strategic opportunity to fill a leadership vacuum. It has also improved its global position by providing the world with much-needed information and medical supplies. The active contribution of China to global health governance may enhance its global image and legitimacy, build relationships and friendships, emphasize the Peaceful Rise narrative, and support the Health Silk Road project.

Explaining how international institutions develop is the significant contribution of historical institutionalism (HI) to the study of contemporary world politics. HI offers two important concepts, critical juncture and path dependence, demonstrating dynamics within the institution, leading towards continuity and change. The case of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Myanmar democratic crisis tells us about the impact of the crucial moments on the regional organisation and its responses. Yet, ASEAN is resistant to change. What makes it possible is the question that cannot be answered by using the HI approach. Hence, we explain by employing a theoretical framework founded upon the link between diplomatic culture and institutional legitimacy, adopted from the English School (ES) theory of International Relations (IR). This article argues that ASEAN's diplomatic culture ensures member countrie’s compliance with the Association's code of conduct and prevents external power intrusion into Southeast Asian affairs and interests. Therefore, ASEAN's institutional legitimacy can be maintained. The Association deals with the critical juncture without undertaking any fundamental change.

This paper discusses the impact of Starbucks presence as a style of Western capitalism in China through the analysis of Conscious Capitalism developed by John Mackey and Professor Raj Sisodia. The glory of Starbucks in China has started since the opening of its first outlet in 1999. The high level of consumerism in China is the reason behind the success and glory of Starbucks capitalism in China. In contrast to other patterns of consumerism and business capitalism, which tend to cause economic, ecological and humanistic crises, in this paper the author argue that the presence of Starbucks in China has a positive impact. This can be proven by the application of the principles of Conscious Capitalism by Starbucks in the midst of the flow of Chinese consumption, consumerism and capitalism. The principles of conscious capitalism applied by Starbucks are; (1) higher purpose; (2) stakeholder orientation; (3) culture orientation; and (4) conscious leadership.