Rethinking Disasters by Design

Purpose – This paper aims to reflect on Dennis Mileti's Disasters by Design ten years after its publication and to discuss the book's contributions and limitations. It seeks to uncover how Mileti's work relates to disaster and emergency management policy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines scholarly reviews of Mileti's work and explores the theoretical and practical implications of his important research.Findings – Disasters by Design recognizes the importance of environmental protection and poverty reduction in disaster policies. However, this work may not fully capture all the hazards, distinct types of vulnerability, phases and functions pertinent to emergency management.Research limitations/implications – This review both accepts and questions some of the assessments of Mileti's work. The perspective of this review may help shape the future of emergency management policy.Practical implications – The paper provides a comprehensive view of disasters and offers recommendations to improve the...