Why Researching Viruses Is Always More Dangerous In Autocracies

Prominent science journalists and columnists are responding to the revelations about the Department of Energy’s analysis of the Covid-19 origin by contending, “we should be talking much more about lab safety and gain-of-function research,” or calling for “an ‘all of the above’ strategy: ensure laboratory biosafety, prevent further zoonotic spread and improve global cooperation.”

And that’s fine, but it all dances around the real problem: Researching contagious deadly viruses is more dangerous when it is conducted in an autocratic or oppressive country than when it is done in a free society.

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Jim Geraghty

Jim Geraghty is the senior political correspondent of National Review.

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Prominent science journalists and columnists are responding to the revelations about the Department of Energy’s analysis of the Covid-19 origin by contending, “we should be talking much more about lab safety and gain-of-function research,” or calling for “an ‘all of the above’ strategy: ensure laboratory biosafety, prevent further zoonotic spread and improve global cooperation.”

And that’s fine, but it all dances around the real problem: Researching contagious deadly viruses is more dangerous when it is conducted in an autocratic or oppressive country than when it is done in a free society.