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Restructuring community adaptability amidst multiple concurrent crises

Societal resilience and readiness to weather interconnected emergencies and evolving security threats are laid bare by the research conducted by JRC, offering crucial insights.

Shift in Social Resilience during a Period of Multiple Crises
Shift in Social Resilience during a Period of Multiple Crises

Restructuring community adaptability amidst multiple concurrent crises

The European Union (EU) is currently navigating a complex landscape of interconnected crises, often referred to as a 'polycrisis'. In response, the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) has conducted a research project titled "Rethinking societal resilience in a time of polycrisis". The brief focuses on emerging security challenges in the EU context.

The aim of this project is to inform proactive and adaptive strategies to address the challenges posed by polycrises. The goal is to mitigate the impact of polycrises and strengthen societal resilience, and better anticipate and respond to multiple crises affecting the EU.

A shift in perspective, adopting a systems-oriented mindset, is necessary to address a polycrisis and develop effective strategies. This mindset acknowledges the interconnected and amplifying effects of multiple crises. A useful concept in addressing polycrises is the idea of high-leverage intervention points. High-leverage intervention points are strategic positions within interconnected systems where targeted policy changes can produce significant effects across multiple outcomes and levels.

Identifying and targeting these high-leverage intervention points can support policies that aim to drive systemic change and build societal resilience. Network analysis can assist in designing responses and preparedness measures that strengthen feedback mechanisms for societal resilience. Initiatives involving systems modelling can help policymakers anticipate how different crises may interact.

Addressing perceptions of insecurity is crucial for societal resilience. Responding to citizens' expectations is important for building societal resilience. Active citizenship can contribute to resilience by fostering trust. Engaging communities is essential for building societal resilience in the context of a polycrisis. Participatory governance can enhance social cohesion and enable rapid, context-sensitive responses.

The science for policy brief "Rethinking societal resilience in a time of polycrisis" highlights the importance of continued research and policy development in this area. A deeper understanding of the dynamics at play and the strategies needed to increase preparedness and build societal resilience is essential for the EU.

In conclusion, addressing the polycrisis facing the EU requires a systems-oriented approach that considers the interconnected nature of multiple crises. By identifying high-leverage intervention points, engaging communities, and adopting participatory governance, the EU can strengthen its societal resilience and better respond to the challenges ahead.

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