Disasters in World History

Disasters in World History surveys the development of disaster studies as a discipline as well as the historical case studies and theories used by historians to understand disasters.Disasters, here defined as the complex interaction between natural hazards and specific humanvulnerabilities, have frequently left a mark on human history. Cataclysms have toppled dynasties, fueled massacres, and shaped the culture of societies frequently affected by natural hazards.This volume fosters understanding of such events by considering both social science theory andthenatural science concepts relevant todisaster studies. In addition,the text makesheavy use of an emerging psychological theory relevantto disaster studies, the behavioral immunesystem, which helps to explain why xenophobicbehavior and even violence often erupt in the aftermathof disasters. Later chapters consider specificexamples of disasters:earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, climate change (including modern anthropogenic climatechange or global warming), and tropical cyclones.This book is an accessible resource ideal for undergraduates and instructors in world history, environmental history, and disaster studies courses.