Book excerpt: This book provides a multidisciplinary analysis of the many socio-economic challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic across international boundaries, disrupting the economic system and life styles globally. It starts by setting the historical context of the pandemic and proceeds to describe the impact on the Indian economy, how certain sections of the population have become economically and psychologically vulnerable. International experts from diverse fields—development economics, macroeconomics, corporate finance, history, sociology, psychology, public policy, and urban studies—contribute to this exciting analysis of an Indian and global society at the crossroads. The book examines emerging themes related to global economic revival, intellectual property rights over the vaccine, and rupturing of the global supply chains. It discusses the response of institutions and markets to the global pandemic. It closes with a futuristic look at the new society and global system that may emerge out of the chaos. A valuable resource appealing to a wide readership across the social sciences and the humanities. Readers include undergraduate students, postgraduate students, researchers and academic teachers, and also public policy experts.