The COVID-19 pandemic is a rare crisis that all states are facing simultaneously. Although imperfect—as a result of variations in population, geography, and evolving epidemiology—this test measures not only pandemic preparedness and response but more importantly, state capacity and social resilience. The following report contains four case studies of different countries’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each report looks at a country’s pre-pandemic preparedness, then presents the strategy that was implemented—including a detailed timeline of action—and an assessment of its performance.