Disasters and Democracy: The Politics of Extreme Natural Events

Rating:
Summary: A "Real-World" Look at U.S. Disaster Policy
Review: Rud Platt is a land use lawyer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mr. Platt links the political aspects of U.S. disaster policy with the actual effects of major natural hazard events such as hurricanes, large floods and earthquakes. Based on knowledge gained from observing the response and recovery efforts in several disasters, Platt draws a number of key policy recommendations that are designed to move U.S. disater management policy in a more rational direction. Platt also includes a wealth of information based on interviews with key federal, state and local officials involved with disaster response and recovery. The book includes several very informative case studies provided by contributing authors on topics such as the 1993 Mid-west floods in Missouri.

This book is recommeded for those who want to learn more about this important national topic and those who may be involved in the formulation of future disater management policy at the local, state or national level.