Katrina Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Katrina - Research Paper Example ring information; holding rehearsals, simulations, and drills; training campaigns; engaging citizens; creating non emergency agencies; as well as changing laws and updating resources† (152). The findings of Quarantelli also deserve special attention as his observations clearly show how communities, organizations and individuals may respond to disaster preparedness. The paper also throws light on the lessons that Hurricane Katrina bring to the Federal disaster preparedness plans. It is worthwhile to analyze Quarantelli’s findings on how individuals would respond to disaster preparedness. He holds that even though â€Å"individuals tend to have little interest in disaster preparedness in advance of disasters† they tend to help each other once disasters occur; similarly, individuals are likely to respond rationally to any serious ‘explicit warnings of impending hazards’ (Brunschot and Kennedy 151). It is thus evident that individuals actively take part in initial search and rescue efforts after a disaster occurs. However, evacuation seems to be problematic in many cases where people are uncertain about the safety of their loved ones. Similarly, Quarantelli’s findings about community preparedness are also noteworthy. He observes that even though mass media and reporting of disasters have considerably increased community-level mitigation plans â€Å"preparedness at the community level is often uneven and problematic† (Brunschot and Kennedy 151). Quarantelli also points out that there is a lack of coordination of various agencies at the community level preparedness. He also pinpoints how community issues such as poverty still haunt the victims in the aftermath of disasters which make their conditions worse. His findings also show how unprepared and unplanned are most organizations towards disaster mitigation plans. In fact, none of the findings of Quarantelli seems to be surprising as they go in tune with the recent disaster management experience of the

Theories of International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Theories of International Relations - Essay Example 42). As a result of the complexity in international relations, this field of study has attracted numerous scholars who come up with theories to explain international behavior among states. For most theorists of international relations the state is the primary player that determines the direction in international matters. Olson and Groom (1992, pp. 274) state that the policies adopted by a certain state go along way into shaping its relationship with other states, thus molding international relations. The field of international relations widely accepts anarchy as one of the possible explanations for behavior in international politics. Different theorists of international relations have varying concepts on the issue of anarchy. To some pessimists, anarchy is totally appalling, while to some optimists, anarchy can be advantageous to a state. More specifically, there is a â€Å"myth† of international anarchy that provides that ‘Anarchy is what states make of it’. Acco rding to Weber (2004, pp. 63) this myth of international relations holds that the outcomes of global anarchy vary from one state to another. This means that one cannot predict how anarchy will affect a given state, since different states have different responses to anarchy. Essentially, anarchy may cause either cooperation or conflicts among states, depending on the policies of each individual state on international behavior (Griffith, 1999; pp. 154). Accordingly, it is critical to have deeper insight into the concept of international anarchy; its meaning, origins, the role it plays in international relations. It essential to consider how individual states have it in their power to shape international relations by choosing the consequences that anarchy is going to have on them and other states they interact with. For most people, especially those not concerned with the study of international relations, the term anarchy is associated with disorganization, violence, and absence of law s to govern the actions of people. This means that most people view anarchy as being characterized by severe social and political instability, meaning that anarchy is a threat to international order and security (Griffiths, 1999; pp. 145). With such a mindset, anarchy is depicted as the very opposite of civilization and most people would rather do without anarchy. However, in the study of international relations, different scholars have different views concerning international anarchy and its consequences on international politics. Some see anarchy as negative, while others see it a positive. Yet for some, international anarchy can have either negative or positive effects or both on a state and in the entire field of international politics. Nevertheless, all theorists of international anarchy agree that anarchy is caused by lack of a universal government. In the field of international relations, anarchy is not necessarily considered a theory; rather it is taken as a myth by theorist s of international relations. Theorists of international anarchy hold that the world is made of sovereign states, each yielding power over its territory, people, and resources. According to Brown (2002, pp. 145,) such a sovereign state holds the ultimate power over its area of jurisdiction and no other authority, whether domestic or international, should challenge its position. Therefore, as far as international politics of anarchy are concerned, all states are sovereign, but the degrees of sovereignty vary from state to state. International independence among states varies, according to the political structures of