Publications
Publications
- 2007
- HBS Working Paper Series
The Political Economy of 'Natural' Disasters
By: Charles Cohen and Eric D. Werker
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Policy; Government and Politics; Strategic Planning; Mathematical Methods; Natural Disasters; Welfare or Wellbeing
Citation
Cohen, Charles, and Eric D. Werker. "The Political Economy of 'Natural' Disasters." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 08-040, December 2007. (Revised November 2008.)