Disasters and Democracy: The Politics Of Extreme Natural Events

Platt, Rutherford H.

ISBN 10: 1559636963 / ISBN 13: 9781559636964

Published by Island Press, 1999

Item in acceptable condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00092553101

Synopsis:

In recent years, the number of presidential declarations of “major disasters” has skyrocketed. Such declarations make stricken areas eligible for federal emergency relief funds that greatly reduce their costs. But is federalizing the costs of disasters helping to lighten the overall burden of disasters or is it making matters worse? Does it remove incentives for individuals and local communities to take measures to protect themselves? Are people more likely to invest in property in hazardous locations in the belief that, if worse comes to worst, the federal government will bail them out?

Disasters and Democracy addresses the political response to natural disasters, focusing specifically on the changing role of the federal government from distant observer to immediate responder and principal financier of disaster costs.

From the Back Cover: In recent years, the number of presidential declarations of "major disasters" has sky-rocketed. Such declarations make stricken areas eligible for federal emergency relief funds that greatly reduce their costs. But is federalizing the cost of disasters helping to lighten the overall burden of disasters, or is it making matters worse? Disasters and Democracy addresses the political response to natural disasters, focusing on the changing role of the federal government.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Disasters and Democracy: The Politics Of ...
Publisher: Island Press
Publication Date: 1999
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Acceptable