Synthesizing critical perspectives on the impact of disasters with regard to social inequality, this book brings together key insights from political ecology and historical materialism. Querying assumptions about the "normal" conditions of life, it examines the exploitative structures and practices that shape everyday life using theoretical approaches such as rhythmanalysis, metabolic rift theory, and conjunctural analysis. While focusing on enduring historical processes that foster unequal social and ecological relationships in the present era, this book argues for a more expansive consideration of disasters, including within its scope catastrophes associated with structural violence, social conflict, war and destitution.

Raja Swamy is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee, with a focus on disasters, political economy, development, social justice and climate change. He is the author of Building Back Better in India (University of Alabama, 2021).