Natural disasters have a profound impact upon the societies they affect but one important aspect that has yet to receive attention is how the relationship between state and society is affected in the aftermath of such events. How the state responds to such events can generate powerful forces within society for political, economic and social change, which in turn can help or hinder efforts at reconstruction and redevlopment. Alp Ozerdem and Tim Jacoby's unique work explores the aftermath of natural disaster within three different societies to reveal key insights into how the state-society relationship was affected in each and what this meant for postwar redevelopment. Their comparative approach also draws out patterns and lessons that can be applied more generally to societies in the aftermath of such events. The result is a work that will form essential reading for all those whose work involves them with the aftermath of disasters and major conflict.