Includes bibliographical references (p. [201]-222) and index.

Foreword / Enrico L. Quarantelli -- Ch. 1. Emergencies, Disasters and Catastrophes: Development Trends and Conceptualization. Armed Conflicts, Major Natural Hazards and Technological Accidents in the World and Russia: Increasing Threat to Security and Safety of Communities and Societies. Emergencies and Disasters as Research and Management Categories. Pre-conditions and Underlying Causes of Emergencies, Disasters and Catastrophes. Developmental Phases of An Emergency. Classification of Emergencies -- Ch. 2. The Concept of the Emergency Management Cycle. Emergency Management Strategies: Goals. Types and Priorities. Emergency Management Mechanism: Stages, Functions and Agents -- Ch. 3. State Emergency Management Policy in Russia: Legal Basis and Organizational Issues. The Legal Basis of Emergency and Disaster Policy: Trends in the World and Russia. The State Emergency and Disaster Policy and Organization of Emergency Management in Russia -- Ch. 4. Emergency Management in Russia in Practice: Case Studies of the 1990s. Aftermath and Response to the Radiation Accident at the Siberian Chemical Complex: Reminiscent of Chernobyl? Preparedness, Response to and Recovery from a Major Fire at the Kamski Car Plant. Preparedness and Organizational Response of Communities and Authorities to the Neftegorsk Earthquake Disaster.