Bridging international relations and disaster studies: the case of disaster–conflict scholarship

Abstract

International relations and disaster studies have much to gain by thinking critically about their respective theoretical and epistemological assumptions. Yet, few studies to date have sought to assess the potential value of linking these two disciplines. This paper begins to address this shortfall by examining the relationship between disasters and conflict as a research sphere that intersects international relations and disaster studies. Through an analysis of whether or not disasters contribute to intra-national and international conflict, this paper not only provides a review of the state of the art, but also serves to invite scholars to reflect on related concepts from other fields to strengthen their own approaches to the study of disasters in an international setting. An evaluation of the conceptual and theoretical contributions of each subject area provides useful heuristics for the development of disaster-conflict scholarship and encourages alternative modes of knowledge production through interdisciplinarity.

Looking forward:Disastersat 40

“…In essence, the importance here of multiscalar analysis in recognising the plurality of actors involved in response has been matched by a stated commitment to change modes of operation and the funding of response mechanisms—even if this shift is largely itself a reaction to the various financial and political crises that have led to pressures on the aid budgets of European and North American states. This includes the increasing trend to promote national and regional aspects of disaster management, perhaps especially, although not exclusively, in contexts of transboundary and regional disasters (Hollis, 2017).…”

Disaster diplomacy: The intricate links between disaster and conflict

“…One of the most important contributions of this collection, therefore, lies in helping us identify new avenues for research that investigates the vulnerabilities that determine both disasters and conflict, thus refining the traditional question of ‘How do disasters affect conflict?’ to ask instead ‘How do disasters influence the vulnerabilities that condition conflict?’ (see Hollis, 2018 for further elaboration on this point). Nemeth & Lai (2022) present a natural jumping-off point for further research in this vein by showing how disasters that affect only one actor in a rivalry can help prompt negotiations that ultimately end violence.…”

“…to ask instead 'How do disasters influence the vulnerabilities that condition conflict?' (see Hollis, 2018 for further elaboration on this point). Nemeth & Lai (2022) present a natural jumping-off point for further research in this vein by showing how disasters that affect only one actor in a rivalry can help prompt negotiations that ultimately end violence.…”

Integrating disaster governance in Timor-Leste: Opportunities and challenges

“…Michael Guggenheim refers to the overall 'politicisation' of disasters which makes sociological theory more sensitive to studying them [8], whereas Rajesh Venugopal and Sameer Yasir refer to them as 'transformative political moments' that create change in how we govern disasters [9]. Furthermore developments in international relations literature can also substantively contribute to the study of disaster governance in this regard pushing disciplinary boundaries [10]. This contributes to moving our understanding of disasters beyond disciplinary siloes towards not only an interdisciplinary approach where research draws on multiple disciplines but a transdisciplinary approach where the study of disasters draws on the deep knowledge of siloes, brought together through interdisciplinary studies and engages the population exposed to hazards to generate a multitude of perspectives that offer insight into 'life-world' problems [11].…”