Paul Barnes

Dr. Paul Barnes discusses the debate between centralized disaster response vs. community resilience in face of polycrises. Topics include community engagement, semi-professional disaster relief force, replicating Germany's THW model, impact on income inequality, and strategies for improving post-disaster recovery funds.

Paul Barnes, a Senior Research Fellow focused on disaster resilience, and Alastair Stark, a Lecturer in Public Policy researching lesson learning post-crisis, delve into the evolution of China's aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy toward a more cooperative stance. They explore the implications for international relations and discuss how institutional amnesia hampers disaster preparedness in Australia. Their conversation highlights the importance of individual readiness, the necessity for better communication about risks, and the critique of current disaster policies for a more resilient future.