The evolving local social contract for managing climate and disaster risk in Vietnam. Issue 3 (22nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Christoplos, Ian; Ngoan, Le Duc; Sen, Le Thi Hoa; Huong, Nguyen Thi Thanh; Lindegaard, Lily Salloum
• Is Part Of: Disasters. Volume 41:Issue 3(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 448
• Page End: 467
• Publication Date: 2016-09-22
• Subjects: disaster risk reduction -- extreme climate events -- local government -- social contract; Disasters -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Periodicals; 363.34
• DOI: 10.1111/disa.12215
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-3666

Abstract

Abstract : How do disasters shape local government legitimacy in relation to managing climate‐ and disaster‐related risks? This paper looks at how local authorities in Central Vietnam perceive their social contract for risk reduction, including the partial merging of responsibilities for disaster risk management with new plans for and investments in climate change adaptation and broader socioeconomic development. The findings indicate that extreme floods and storms constitute critical junctures that stimulate genuine institutional change. Local officials are proud of their strengthened role in disaster response and they are eager to boost investment in infrastructure. They have struggled to reinforce their legitimacy among their constituents, but given the shifting roles of the state, private sector, and civil society, and the undiminished emphasis on high‐risk development models, their responsibilities for responding to emerging climate change scenarios are increasingly nebulous. The past basis for legitimacy is no longer valid, but tomorrow's social contract is not yet defined.