The Geopolitics of Microbes: When Epidemics Become Issues of Power

[Press Release] - Published on June 8, 2026 in the Press Room

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the anatomy lecture hall at the Montpellier-Nîmes Faculty of Medicine will host a lecture by Professor Renaud Piarroux titled “The Geopolitics of Microbes.” Organized by the University of Montpellier and the ExposUM Institute, this event will offer a unique perspective on the close links between infectious diseases, political decisions, and international power dynamics. Drawing on several historical and contemporary examples, the infectious disease specialist will demonstrate how epidemics extend far beyond the realm of public health to become major geopolitical issues.

From Microbes to International Power Dynamics

Epidemics are often perceived as purely biological phenomena falling within the realm of medicine or public health. However, their emergence, management, and media coverage are frequently influenced by political, diplomatic, or strategic considerations. In this lecture, Professor Renaud Piarroux will discuss, in particular, his investigation conducted in Haiti following the 2010 cholera epidemic, which revealed that the bacteria had been introduced by a contingent of UN peacekeepers. This case illustrates how scientific research can clash with institutional and political issues when questions of responsibility are at stake.

The conference will also address the role of epidemics in international relations, differences in media and political coverage of various health crises, and controversies surrounding the origins of emerging diseases. From the Ebola epidemic in Central Africa to the COVID-19 pandemic, this discussion will shed light on how microbes—sometimes unwittingly—contribute to global geopolitical balances.

Open to everyone, this conference is part of the University of Montpellier and ExposUM’s commitment to fostering dialogue between science and society on major contemporary issues.