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9781565493353

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Hyndman s book powerfully shows the need to view disaster responses in relation to the historical and geographic contexts in which they occur. When the tsunami struck Sri Lanka and Aceh, Indonesia, both localities were theatres of long drawn-out armed conflicts. These Dual Disasters, as Hyndman calls them, have been the subject of comparative studies by several scholars. This contribution focuses especially on the role of humanitarian aid in the context of these dual disasters. The distinguishing feature of her contribution (in part with Arno Waizenegger) is to highlight the complexity of the interaction between the humanitarian aid that poured into these countries and the politics of the conflicts that were raging at that time. The analysis does not fall into the trap of cliches and easy answers of a subject that is widely debated both in scholarship and media. It is a multifaceted view from below. It should be especially useful for scholars, policy makers and professionals interested in the politics of foreign aid in general and humanitarian aid in particular. Hyndman skillfully draws together an array of fascinating and disturbing material to reveal the double-edged character of dual disasters which bring both misery and opportunity. This wide-ranging volume interrogates the now-common aid refrain building back better to ask the crucial question build what back better? So rich in its analysis around the circumstances in which humanitarian action can be successful or not. I recommend the book to all who are involved in decision-making for humanitarian action. If well done, action in the wake of an emergency can bid for a more promising future. This book serves as a call for a more nuanced analysis of disasters, particularly those that fit within the concept of dual disasters. Overall, Hyndman provides excellent on-the-ground insights, bringing to the reader the experiences which disaster-affected people had. She provides some insightful critiques, such as Naomi Klein s 'disaster capitalism' that 'underestimates local and national actors in Sri Lanka that aspire to different futures'. The book also impresses by choosing to investigate and analyse topics that are frequently overlooked, such as gender-based disaster impacts along with long-term root causes of vulnerability that led to the catastrophes. Fundamental tenets of disaster studies are rightly adopted, such as 'There is simply no such thing as a purely natural disaster'.

So rich in its analysis around the circumstances in which humanitarian action can be successful or not. I recommend the book to all who are involved in decision-making for humanitarian action. If well done, action in the wake of an emergency can bid for a more promising future.

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