Human Security in Disease and Disaster

This timely new textbook lays bare the ways in which disease and disaster can turn politicians into global leaders or national liabilities. It explains the impact of crises on development and human security and explores how states and societies can respond more effectively.
Written primarily for the student of politics, but also drawing from public health, public policy, and environmental studies, the book investigates the threats posed by disease and disasters, and demonstrates how states can shape the ways in which these crises unfold. Case studies include:
- Diseases such as Covid-19 and Ebola
- Natural disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan and the 2010 Haiti earthquake
- Manmade disasters such as the Yemen and Congo civil wars or famine
The book delves deep into how state response to these challenges can impact political and economic stability and ends by exploring the role played by international institutions and international cooperation in addressing common challenges.
This introductory textbook is perfect for undergraduate and masters courses exploring the expanding politics and human security issues surrounding disease and disasters. It will also be of interest to think tanks and policy communities looking for fresh insights to bring into professional practice.

Natasha Lindstaedt a Professor of Government at the University of Essex and the Deputy Dean of Education in Social Sciences. She has extensive experience teaching in a number of areas including International Relations, Political Development, Violent Non-State Actors, State Building, Conflict and Middle East Politics. Her research interests focus on issues that intersect in global and comparative politics such as authoritarianism, democratic backsliding, human security and new forms of violence. She has consulted for various organizations including the European Union, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the United Nations. Her recent books include Democracies and Authoritarian Regimes, and Democratic Decay.

Part I: Key Challenges Chapter 1: Human Security, Health and Disaster Chapter 2: Infectious Diseases Chapter 3: Disasters Part II: Drivers of Disease and Disaster Chapter 4: Globalization, Climate Change and Disease Chapter 5: Globalization, Climate Change and Disaster Part III: Disease and Disaster Vulnerability Chapter 6: Poverty Chapter 7: Conflict Part IV: Impact of Disease and Disaster Chapter 8: Economic Impacts Chapter 9: Political and Societal Impacts Part V: Response Chapter 10: Authoritarian Regimes, Democracies and Populism Chapter 11: The State and Disease Management Chapter 12: The State and Disaster Management Chapter 13: Global Health Governance Chapter 14: Disaster Governance Conclusion Glossary