Exploring the Link between Natural Disasters and Politics: Case Studies of Pakistan and Peru

摘要: This paper explores the link between “natural“ disasters and politics. It argues that due to its broader perspective on political, anthropological perspectives have been more attentive this than other disciplines like political science. is pointed out disaster vulnerability often derives from conditions. Foucault’s concept of governmentality, “the art governing populations”, useful analyze politics disasters. Disasters are, in fact, a relatively recent area into which governmentality has spread. Not long ago, were regarded many cases simply as fateful events, totally outside control responsibility state government. In Pakistan, for instance, specialized institution dealing with natural disasters, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) established only consequence 2005 earthquake. post-disaster situation confrontation affected people instruments strategies - whether employed by or NGOs multiplies. The reverse citizens hold responsible almost all areas life, including (in)effective mitigation their consequences. For citizens, may thus become an opportunity express discontent protest against what perceived inadequate insufficient efforts relief reconstruction. Thus, situations easily sites contestation. anthropology then provide unique opportunities dissect conventional images huge, powerful monolithic entity. virtually disappear scene, leaving field national international non-governmental organizations. Relations are “political” structured issues power, too. Two case studies presented relations disasters: massive rock avalanche struck Callejon Huaylas Peru May 1970 much smaller Attabad landslide hit Hunza Northern Pakistan January 2010. concluded any study disregards entanglement power action misses important dimension without cannot be fully understood.