ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the general conclusion and aims to present and discuss the main similarities and differences between Europe and Asia in terms of measures and behaviours related to mask-wearing. Furthermore, it summarises the main findings of the previous chapters. It does so by overcoming two misconceptions that can be attributed to the success against COVID-19 in Asia, namely, a pre-existing mask-wearing culture and a better capacity to enforce obedience to rules. Beginning with a historical perspective, this chapter analyses the nature and reasons for the difficulty in the acceptance of masks in European countries in 2020 and how it led to a certain convergence between the populations and governments of the two continents. It then details the reasons for mask-wearing behaviour, which exceeds culture, by distinguishing between structural factors and rational choice. In particular, the study poses the question: ‘What was the basis for the decision for wearing or not wearing a mask?’ This chapter ends by comparing and discussing the various measures implemented by European and Asian governments and how they illustrate the threat of a global increase in authoritarianism.
