Call for Papers


“The Future of Disaster Management in the U.S.:

Rethinking Legislation, Policy, and Finance”

An American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Series Book


Dr. Yvonne Rademacher and Amy L. Crabill, Editors

Taylor and Francis Publishers



The editors are seeking high caliber and thought provoking contributions to a book that will challenge the way people think about managing large scale disasters. We intend to present a wide range of perspectives and innovative ideas for the future of U.S. disaster management.

While the performance of disaster response in the U.S. is often debated, rarely do we ever question the current delivery model. This book intends to provoke thought in terms of questioning some of the fundamentals of the current system and envisaging alternative models. We hope to forward perspectives on the current centralized model of managing large-scale emergencies and examine whether accountability and responsibilities are correctly placed in order to make effective use of resources in a complex emergency management system.

Specifically, this volume focuses on three distinct areas: legislation, policy, and finance. In addition to exposing challenges to effective disaster management, the authors are expected to propose alternative approaches for consideration. It is important to us that each chapter not only discusses fundamental problems and challenges but also delivers concrete and practical solutions to address them.

Possible topics may include:

Regulatory matters and effect on disaster management practices
The role of state governments in managing emergencies
Ability of the individual and public assistance programs to enable local recovery
Legal aspects of emergency management
Critiques of the Stafford Act or the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act
Rethinking insurance programs
Review of mitigation program spending and assessment of long term effect

As the list above is certainly not exhaustive, we look forward to your ideas. It is most critical that your proposal clearly explains how the chapter will address one of the listed sections - legislation, policy, or finance. We intend to notify accepted papers as soon as possible after receipt of proposals, at the latest by 8 June 2014. The entire project is expected to be completed by January 2016. If you are interested in joining us in this exciting project, please send the following to acrabill@udel.edu by Saturday, May 24, 2014:

Indication of the category (legislation, policy, finance) to which you plan to respond;
Title page (including proposed title, author name(s), contact details and affiliation);
250 word description of the proposed chapter and anticipated number of pages;
Names and contact details of three potential reviewers for your chapter.

Contact Information:
Amy Crabill & Yvonne Rademacher
University of Delaware
School of Public Policy and Administration
acrabill@udel.edu
(443) 309-4970