Why did we undertake this study?
Global processes, such as climate change and international relations, are reshaping the characteristics and scales of modern crises, including the frequency and intensity of natural hazards (e.g., bushfires, floods, droughts) and geopolitical events (e.g., trade disputes, terrorism, conflict). Understanding how regions approach crisis management within this shifting global landscape for different hazards enables better planning and response.
What did we find?
Crises managed by local authorities are shaped by processes beyond their jurisdictional boundaries. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and other processes challenge traditional management boundaries and approaches to crisis planning and response. Consequently, future crisis management is dependent on: (i) improved public-private partnerships; (ii) increased public and political salience of potential crises; and (iii) planning approaches that take a more systemic approach to crises, including external factors (e.g. the geopolitical circumstances from local to international scales, and links between policy problems such as gender inequality and resulting domestic violence).
What are the implications?
The findings suggest regional crisis management must approach planning and response through a more holistic and international perspective. As the global landscape for disaster risk and crises continues to shift, the preparedness and success of regional crisis management depends on how effective local governments are at adapting to changing circumstances and collaborating with stakeholders both within the local government area and beyond.
Want more information?
The full paper is available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.12503
Citation: Raikes J, Smith TF, Powell N, Thomsen DC, Friman E, Kronlid D, & Sidle R. (2021). Crisis management: A comparison of geopolitical crises and natural hazards. Geographical Research, 1-11
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