Comparing the place of experts during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic

The current global health crisis, spanning continents, prompts critical inquiries in social and political sciences. By comparing state responses, we unveil national nuances amidst the pandemic. This led to the establishment of POSOC-19 in April 2020, focusing on political, discourse, and legal analyses of COVID-19's impact. Our project delves into the nexus of political power and scientific expertise, exploring its autonomy and influence on public opinion. Notably, the emergence of new expert figures and the dynamics between political authorities, experts, and media shape decision-making processes. From superexperts to collegial committees, diverse strategies evolve, raising questions on political responsibility and the role of expertise in crisis management. As economic imperatives intersect, understanding expert influence on political strategies becomes paramount. Through meticulous analysis, we aim to delineate a comprehensive typology of expertise systems, facilitating comparative insights into governance during unprecedented health crises.