Advancing “no natural disasters” with care: risks and strategies to address disasters as political phenomena in conflict zones

This paper emphasises the importance of advocating that disasters are not natural, especially in conflict-affected areas. However, it notes that an uncritical approach could lead to unintended consequences, such as exacerbating social conflicts or obstructing disaster-related actions. The article also presents alternatives to advance the understanding that disasters are not natural whilst mitigating risks, such as embracing a “do-no-harm” approach or conflict-sensitive analyses.

The author draws upon insights and discussions accumulated over a decade of research into the relationship between disasters and conflict. The article includes a critical literature review on the disaster–conflict relationship and literature specifically addressing the idea that disasters are not natural, as well as covering topics such as (de) politicisation, instrumentalization, disaster diplomacy, ethics, humanitarian principles, disaster risk reduction, peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity.