There are three basic approaches to assessing the impact of disaster and defining relief assistance requirements after a disaster: the damage done, the needs of the affected population or the rights which the survivors have to achieve life with dignity. Each approach has advantages in assessing post-disaster needs. Each approach overlaps with the other two, but each represents a different theoretical view of what should take place following a disaster. Further, each approach tends to be used by more...

'A destructive combination of earthquakes, floods, droughts and other hazards make South Asia the world's most disaster-prone region. The effects are aggravated by climate change, unsuitable social and development policies, and environmental degradation. The effect is to slow or block development and keep millions trapped in poverty.

Oxfam's experience shows that successful disaster risk reduction policies, integrated into development work, save lives and money, making vulnerable communities more...

India has been traditionally vulnerable to natural disasters for its geo-climatic conditions. Cyclones, earthquakes, floods, drought and landslides have been a recurrent fact. About 60% of the landmass is prone to earthquakes; 40 million hectares is prone to floods, 68% of the area is susceptible to drought and 8% of the total area prone to cycles. Disaster management occupies an important place in the country’s policy framework as it is the poor and the under privileged who are worst affected more...

Progressive Reconstruction: A Methodology for Stabilization and Reconstruction Operations based on for future forcible interventions in the affairs of failed, failing, or rogue and terrorist sponsoring states to stabilize and democratize these nations in accordance with stated United States' goals.

This briefing by the United States Institute of Peace discusses the instability in the Niger Delta and the role Nigeria and the international community can play to resolve the conflict.

"The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes.

International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, expertise and a platform for debate on democracy issues. It works together with policy makers, donor governments, UN organizations and agencies, regional organ more...

The International Peacebuilding Alliance, Interpeace, works only with local partners in divided societies to build lasting peace.

It promotes national dialogue by bringing together key actors across a broad cross section of society to analyse their country’s problems, find home-grown solutions and to define a common vision for long-term development.

Interpeace has a hybrid status as a Swiss association and acts as a link between local and national actors and the international community. more...

The OECD DAC Handbook on Security System Reform (SSR): Supporting Security and Justice is targeted at development, security, rule of law and diplomatic personnel − practitioners in field missions and those working on policy and strategy issues at headquarters. It is based on experience gathered both from countries that have undertaken security and justice reforms, and from the work of the international community in supporting confl ict prevention and peacebuilding over the last decade.

This is the first study to examine the vitally important role of Congress in strengthening
problem states—before, during, and after international interventions. The difficulties experienced during U.S.-led interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq have once again placed troubled states at the forefront of the U.S. national-security agenda. While there is general recognition of the importance of rebuilding states so they do not pose a threat to international security, U.S. capabilities still requi more...

"International Alert is an independent peacebuilding organisation working in over 20
countries and territories around the world. Our dual approach involves working directly
with people affected by violent conflict as well as at government, EU and UN levels to shape
both policy and practice in building sustainable peace. Our regional work is based in the
African Great Lakes, West Africa, the Caucasus, the Andean region of South America, Sri
Lanka, Nepal and the Philippines. At both regional more...