Responding to Black Swans: Why Ordinary Citizens Matter

by Simon H. Okoth

Overview

Given the frequency of natural and man-made disasters and the degree to which ordinary citizens find themselves as first responders, this book offers some well-researched answers to the following and frequently asked questions:

What motivates ordinary citizens to (or to want to) assist others in danger even when their own lives might be at stake?

To what extent do human emotions influence public policy and administrative decisions on how to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to catastrophic events?

How can governments better prepare for emergencies knowing these facts?

The book goes further to suggest a number of strategies for policy makers, communities, and individuals to protect human lives and property. Tool kit URLs for preparing to different types of emergencies are included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781512787238
Publisher:	WestBow Press
Publication date:	06/02/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	351 KB

About the Author

Simon H. Okoth, PhD, is a professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University. His scholarly interests include international water rights, comparative public policy, and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in international relations, comparative politics, comparative social policy, politics of developing areas, development and underdevelopment, international political economy, politics of the Middle East, government and politics of Africa, public policy analysis, and the practice of public administration. His teaching has taken him to a number of countries, including Afghanistan (American University of Afghanistan), Saudi Arabia (King Saud University), and United Arab Emirates (Zayed University). Dr. Okoth previously worked for the U.S. Peace Corps and American Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.