Calculus of Calamity: The Art and Science of Managing International Disasters

In a world where natural and human-made hazards seem to be outpacing our ability to control them, this book provides an essential reference guide to help all those involved in planning for, responding to, and recovering from international disasters better navigate this most complex of environments in these most uncertain of times.

Using real-world examples from recent catastrophes around the world, this handbook offers students and practitioners alike a unique perspective on why disasters happen, and how the major risk factors that determine disaster outcomes can be managed to minimize avoidable death and suffering.

Linked to a series of online micro-learning masterclasses as taught at Fordham University’s world-renowned Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, this reference book is designed to function as a ‘Pocket MBA’ or ‘dip-in’ guide for all those faced with managing crisis and disaster. One hundred stand-alone modules provide a multi-dimensional overview of what it takes to manage disaster risk across all phases of the planning cycle and across all sectors of response and recovery, ranging from food security, shelter and livelihoods to social protection, cash transfers, and mental health.

Applying a risk optimization model called ‘The Calculus-of-Calamity’, the book uses the interrelated scientific disciplines of disaster epidemiology, international humanitarian law, health economics, behavioral psychology and public administration to assess the major determinants of disaster across the six parameters of Hazard Risk, Human Behavior, Socio-Economic Vulnerability, Physical Exposure, Community Resilience and Business Management.

There is a brutal calculus to calamity. The one hundred risk factors that inform this calculus can be controlled to avoid unnecessary death and destruction in the future. This book explains how.