The political economy of "natural" disasters
By: Charles Cohen, Eric D. Werker
Contributors: Werker, Eric David; Harvard Business School
Series: Working paper / Harvard Business School -- 08-040; Working paper (Harvard Business School) -- 08-040
Publisher: Harvard Business School
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Boston]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 46
Description: Natural disasters occur in a political space. Although events beyond our control may trigger a disaster, the level of government preparedness and response greatly determines the extent of suffering incurred by the affected population. We use a political economy model of disaster prevention, supported by case studies and preliminary empirics to explain why some governments prepare well for disasters and others do not. We show how the presence of international aid distorts this choice and increases the chance that governments will under-invest. Policy suggestions that may alleviate this problem are discussed.
Notes: "December 2007"--Publisher's web site.

Includes bibliographical references.