Relational symmetries of disaster resilience explored through the Sendai Framework’s guiding principles

The Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) recognizes the “interconnections and interdependencies” of disaster resilience. Conceptual and empirical research suggests that the field currently lacks innovative methodologies to enhance associated policy and practice that actively harnesses these relational dimensions. To help address these gaps, we apply Paul Ricœur’s concept of being in the world (“Oneself as Another”) to explore what a relationally-focused understanding might offer for the operationalization of the SFDRR’s 13 Guiding Principles. Our article outlines discursive, concrete, and practical benefits when relational approaches are fostered, including: (1) addressing shortcomings of structuralist, instrumentalist, and rationalist approaches; and (2) achieving more cohesive, ethical, and meaningful disaster resilience outcomes. Our analysis also reveals the particular risks of continuing to focus on the structural organizing of the constituent elements of the SFDRR’s disaster resilience policy and practice instead of attending to relational dimensions and processes. These risks include limiting ourselves to an instrumentally-driven, disconnected discourse and narrative of responses to disaster that favor the Self gaining resilience “through” Another. Thus, the alternative we illustrate, and advocate for, is a relational style of building resilience through prioritizing a robust sense of Oneself “with” Another. It is through this sense of “with” that can enable a shift from asymmetrical to symmetrical forms of policy and practice for future disaster resilience.