Disasters and international law: an introduction

This chapter introduces reflects upon the significant developments that have taken place since the first edition was published in 2016, before introducing the scope and content of the book. Starting with a reflection of the current disaster risk landscape, it then discusses how significant progress can be seen in the scope of research in the intersection of disasters and international law; with increasing inclusion of interdisciplinary and critical approaches alongside existing and growing doctrinal analysis. The chapter highlights how increasing attention is being paid to conceptualisations of risk and vulnerability, of international law’s complicity in historic and contemporary injustices, the systemic nature of risk, and the need to pay greater attention to the voices and perspectives of local and marginalised groups and persons.