Why Politics Never Pauses During Emergencies
Why Politics Never Pauses During Emergencies
There is a comforting myth in emergency management that disasters bring unity, that crises suspend politics, and that in moments of danger we operate in a neutral, purely operational space. It is a story we like to tell because it aligns with our professional identity. We see ourselves as problem solvers, not political actors. We work in logistics, coordination, life safety, and recovery. We move resources, manage information, and try to reduce suffering. Politics feels like something external to that mission.
But politics never pauses during emergencies. In fact, emergencies intensify politics. Disasters do not remove power, priorities, or conflict. They expose them.
