Written from a global perspective on risk, hazards, and disasters, Introduction to International Disaster Management provides practitioners, educators and students with a comprehensive overview of the players, processes and special issues involved in the management of large-scale natural and technological disasters. The book discusses special issues encountered in the management of international disasters, and explains the various private, non-governmental, national, and international agencies that assist in preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery during national and regional events. Concentrating on the four major phases of emergency management - mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery - Introduction to International Disaster Management deals with such timely topics as Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Asian tsunami, and SARS. It also serves as a reference to governmental and other agencies involved in international disaster management activities. This book is the first of its kind to take a global approach to the topic of international disaster management.* Serves as the first comprehensive resource dealing with the issues of international disaster management* Contains numerous case studies, examples of Best Practices in international disaster management, and a contact list of the governmental and nongovernmental agencies involved in international disaster management* Provides a global perspective on risk, hazards, and disasters that is written both for students within disaster management programs and for professionals entering the field