About Book

Varieties of Resilience: Studies in Governmentality" explores the concept of resilience as the capacity of individuals, groups, and societies to withstand and recover from external shocks. Jonathan Joseph conducts a comparative analysis of how resilience is experienced across different countries, including the UK, US, France, Germany, and the EU. The book examines resilience in various policy sectors, such as national security, counter-terrorism, civil protection, disaster risk reduction, critical infrastructure protection, and overseas interventions. Joseph argues that resilience has gained prominence because it aligns with Anglo-Saxon neoliberal governance, emphasizing complexity, human agency, and the role of resilient communities. He also identifies variations and tensions in the international discourse of resilience in policy-making across different contexts. Relevance to the Current Era The themes addressed in this book remain highly pertinent, as societies continue to face challenges requiring resilience, such as pandemics, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. Understanding how resilience is conceptualized and implemented in various policy domains and national contexts provides valuable insights for developing effective strategies to enhance societal resilience. Final Verdict Jonathan Joseph offers a critical analysis of resilience within the framework of governmentality, shedding light on its multifaceted applications in contemporary governance. This book is essential reading for academics, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the intersections of resilience, security, and public policy.