In the Shadows of Just Wars: Violence, politics and humanitarian action

One of the most virulent issues of modern humanitarianism is the degree of separation between military interventions and the humanitarian community that come in front, alongside and behind them. Humanitarianism was still smarting from self-deprecation after Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Kosovo when Afghanistan, Iraq and the War on Terror ripped a big whole in the established ethics of intervention. This analysis is urgently needed as one of the original ‘balls-of-steel’ moral stalwarts faces deep self-questioning.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/170004.htm

Small is Beautiful: A study of economics as if people mattered

Schumacher helped redefine political economics, writing with beautiful prose and ruthless moral fortitude. This is a work of art in terms of both style and content, a joy to read and an inspiring call to place society at the centre of development. It’s relevance is perhaps multiplied in the face of globalisation and geophysical interdependence and provides contextual foundations for the development-disaster paradigm. Classic in every way.

Business Continuity Management

 

The explosion in business continuity management has been driven largely by the IT industry and much of the available information reflects this by being ‘grey literature’ – i.e. online articles or work by companies such as Strohl Systems. This book is therefore a rarity, but fortunately it is an excellent exploration of BCM and the lessons to be learnt from its pages can be applied across a wide range of disaster topics. An excellent investment and thoroughly recommended.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/140001.htm

Hard Choices – Moral Dilemmas in Humanitarian Intervention

 

This is a towering book that should be a obligatory read for every disaster manager. With contributions from academics such as Mary Anderson (Rising from the Ashes), politicians such as Kofi Annan and the ‘real thing’ such as General Romeo Dallaire (Head of UN Peacekeepers during Rwandan genocide), this uncompromising and insightful book from the Red Cross is a headlong tackle into the darkest moral quagmires of humanitarian intervention. Events such as Darfur make this pre-Kosovo book even more relevant than ever. Unique and superb in every way.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/170007.htm

Environmental Hazards

If you are going to buy just one natural hazards book then make this one it! Superbly useful for disaster management students, an excellent book that has been continuously revised to cover a wide range of topics with clear and detailed explanations.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/130002.htm

Mapping Vulnerability

 

If you want to buy a book and are not sure which then get this one, NOW! A fantastic book exploring all the issues relating to community vulnerability and extending many of these to the next level through discussions of capacity and resilience. If you intend to work overseas then it is imperative that you read this.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/190005.htm

Managers who lead

 

Although designed for health manager’s this is a truly fantastic book for any manager, with a comprehensive set of management tools. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Publisher’s Description 

Health program managers everywhere grapple with the same challenges: Tackling complex health problems with limited resources. Defining priorities. Inspiring staff. Initiating change. Demonstrating measurable results.

Managers Who Lead empowers health managers at all levels of an organization to lead teams to face challenges and achieve results. It answers questions such as: How do I create a shared vision of better health and a clear plan for achieving it? What can I do to improve work climate? How can I prepare myself and others for higher levels of responsibility? How do I lead change inside and outside my organization?

Whether you work in the public or private sector, this handbook is essential reading. It offers a wealth of resources, including exercises for managers and facilitators. Real-life examples illustrate how to transform your work groups and organizations into high performers.

http://www.msh.org/resources/publications/ebookstore/product.cfm?p=55

Engineering in Emergencies

 

The truly original Disaster Manager’s instruction book and still unique in its applicability and usefulness, Engineering in Emergencies is invaluable for all disaster managers and not just the engineers. While it can seem light on the contextual issues and considerations relating to emergency engineering, the detailed, prioritised and pragmatic information makes it an essential foundation to any disaster collection. A must buy.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/110001.htm

At Risk

At Risk: Natural hazards, people’s vulnerability and disasters 2nd Ed

If you want one book to get you through any disaster management degree then this is probably going to be it! Revised to be even more of a killer resource, this book explores the very concept of risk and the emergence of disasters using a unique pressure-release model. It can take a lot of commitment to trawl through these pages, but it is worth it because you will have an enormous advantage if you do.

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/190003.htm

Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disasters

This amazing book written by the legend that is Ben Wisner should be the staple diet of new disaster management students. An incredibly diverse range of interdependent issues are discussed relating to disasters in a clear, coherent and easy-to read way. An absolutely must-have for the beginner and a fantastic reference for the more long-in-the-tooth disaster managers. If you are serious about disaster management then get this now!

http://www.disasternetwork.co.uk/120001.htm