The Dialectics of Disasters and the Theory of Public Finance in the Digital Age

Abstract

Disasters are caused by natural forces or by humans. Disasters are sudden and unplanned. It is difficult to predict when, where, how and to whom they are going to happen. This study investigated eight news stories about disasters that occurred in Thailand and in other countries in 2011. The data was then analyzed and synthesized using Hegel’s Dialectics and the theory of public finance and public administration introduced by Richard Musgrave.

The findings reveal that the eight disaster news stories can be explained with reference to an externality approach. Some aspects of the news stories are related to other theories such as the public goods theory in the case of the government budget in infrastructure rebuilding and repair or the public choice theory for a multi-organisation collaboration in providing information for disaster preparedness. It is found that 75% of the news stories employed a positive/ predictive approach using empirical evidence such as numerical data to support the report. Interestingly, a normative approach, which seeks to provide a framework of “what ought to be”, is rarely found in the analysis or suggestion section of the news story.

Seven of the news stories (87.5%) use fiscal theory in the analysis. It is evident that disaster management is proved to be a mammoth task which cannot be handled by the citizens, the private sector, and the voluntary sector alone. The government, both central and local, takes main responsibility for disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Government expenditure and spending policy is used to reconstruct or repair the community infrastructure. In addition, cutting-edge technology in the digital age has been introduced in disaster response. For example, in Australia a drone is used to save people from drowning. It is noted that disaster victims shall seek speedy recovery from the effects of the disaster with a strong focus and determination by adhering to self-reliance and community resilience to prepare for inevitable future disasters.