ENVS 021. Disaster Politics and Policies

(Cross-listed as POLS 045)
How does the trauma of disaster influence political processes, institutions, and leaders? How do political processes, institutions, and leaders affect disaster events and their aftermath? Do disasters lead to meaningful policy change, or is their impact fleeting? This course examines the political and policy dynamics associated with disasters-- those that are predominantly "natural" (e.g., hurricanes and tornadoes), and those that result mainly from human action or inaction (e.g., airplane crashes, mass shootings, building collapses). Using a variety of cases from different historical periods, different regions of the world, and different levels of political analysis (national, regional, and local), this course will examine the causes and consequences of disaster, policy-making and disaster, and the new professional field of disaster management. We will look critically at the role of NGOs and international aid in disaster relief, as well as international institutions.
Not open to students who have taken POLS 010F: The Politics of Disasters.
Social Sciences.
1 credit.
Eligible for ENVS, GLBL-Core
Spring 2025. White.
Catalog chapter: Environmental Studies
Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/environmental-studies

Access the class schedule to search for sections.

Close Window