NCJ Number
239946
Editor(s)
Ira Helsloot,
Arjen Boin,
Brian Jacobs,
Louise K. Comfort
Date Published
2012
Length
388 pages
Annotation
This book provides research on the prospects, nature, characteristics, and effects of mega-crises.
Abstract
This book is divided into four parts. Part 1, The Concept of Mega-Crisis and Mega Crisis Management, discusses the concepts of mega-crisis and mega-crisis management, and examines the leadership skills necessary in mega-crisis management. Part 2, Crisis management of Mega-Natural Disasters, contains seven chapters which deal with numerous recent natural mega-crises, such as hurricanes Katrina and Gustav; the earthquakes in Haiti and Sichuan, China; the Indian Ocean tsunami; and the HINI pandemic scare. Part 3, Crisis Management of Man-Made Mega-Crisis, contains seven chapters which deal with man-made mega crises, such as 9/11; the 2005 London bombings; the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks; the 2008 Kenya unrest and violence; failed States; the breakdown of mega-industries; and financial mega-crises. Part 4, Indentifying Mega-Threats and Vulnerabilities, provides an insight into mega-crises waiting to happen. It provides an overview of the potential problems surrounding mega-cities; uses the Olympics as a case study to reflect on mega-risks and vulnerabilities of a mega-event; assesses the vulnerability of the European and American electricity sector; reframes the debate on climate change as a global mega-crisis; discusses the changes and vulnerabilities in the global agricultural system; and discusses the vulnerabilities of the internet. Tables, figures, and references