Introduction: a research agenda for an evolving branch of law
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Date
2025-11-11
Authors
Cubie, Dug
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
Published Version
Abstract
Before one can even consider what a potential research agenda for disaster law might entail, the complex issue of what constitutes a ‘disaster’ must be addressed. This is not such an easy question to answer. While many people will instinctively recognise the devastating impacts arising from natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or hurricanes, the health implications of pandemics such as Ebola or COVID-19, or the long-lasting consequences of industrial or nuclear accidents, determining whether a specific event should be classified as a ‘disaster’ is not always so clear-cut. For example, a core message that has been promoted in recent years has been the recognition that there is no such thing as a ‘natural’ disaster. As Kevin Blanchard and others have explained, a natural hazard only becomes a disaster when it intersects with societal vulnerabilities, exposure and resilience. 1 A commonly used example is that a hurricane developing in the Pacific Ocean is not a disaster unless it makes landfall and hits a community that is not well prepared. 2 As succinctly noted by the UN.
Description
Keywords
Disaster law , International law , Introduction , Research agenda , Research priorities , [Law]
Citation
Cubie, D. (2025) ‘Introduction: A research agenda for an evolving branch of law’, in D. Cubie (ed.) A Research Agenda for Disaster Law. Edward Elgar Publishing, pp. 1–12. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035331901.00006