Varieties of Resilience
Studies in Governmentality

Offers the first book-length comparative study of resilience, examining this increasingly influential topic as it is experienced across different countries and policy sectors.

Jonathan Joseph (Author)

9781107146570, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 October 2018

218 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 1.5 cm, 0.47 kg

'Joseph's highly readable study of governance practices is packed with contemporary and in-depth empirical and conceptual insights. Highlighting the proliferation of resilience-thinking across key policy areas, the analytical focus is the importance of social, political and international context for understanding variations in governance strategies, practices and discourses. This book will be a must read reference for those concerned with the changing nature of contemporary governance regimes.' David Chandler, University of Westminster

Resilience refers to the ability of individuals, groups and societies to withstand and recover from external shocks. This pioneering book-length comparative study examines resilience as it is experienced across different countries, such as the UK, US, France, Germany and EU. Furthermore it considers cases from policy sectors including national security, counterterrorism, civil protection, disaster risk reduction, critical infrastructure protection and overseas interventions. In doing so, Joseph provides an account of why it is that resilience has become such a popular policy topic, looking at its focus on complexity, the human and the role of resilient individuals and communities. Arguing that resilience has risen to prominence because it fits with a particularly Anglo-Saxon and neoliberal form of governance, Joseph discovers differing results across policy domains and national contexts, fomenting variations and tensions in the international discourse of resilience in policy-making.

Introduction: resilience in context
1. The development of resilience
2. Resilience in national security and counter-terrorism strategy
3. Disasters, emergencies and infrastructure protection
4. Resilience in development strategy and humanitarian intervention
5. The Anglo-Saxon approach to resilience and the alternatives.

Subject Areas: EU & European institutions [JPSN2], United Nations & UN agencies [JPSN1], International institutions [JPSN], International relations [JPS], Comparative politics [JPB], Political science & theory [JPA], Social theory [JHBA]