About the Author
Niall Ferguson
ISBN 9780241501764
Rs. 1,600
Allen Lane
Doom
Who it's for: Readers interested in history, politics, and disaster studies
In 'Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe', acclaimed historian Niall Ferguson offers a provocative examination of why modern societies, despite scientific advancements, consistently fail to manage disasters effectively. From pandemics like COVID-19 to natural calamities and financial crises, Ferguson argues that these failures stem not just from individual missteps but from profound systemic pathologies inherent in increasingly complex and bureaucratic systems. Drawing on diverse fields such as economics, cliodynamics, and network science, he constructs a compelling general theory of disasters, revealing how our contemporary structures are paradoxically becoming worse at handling them.Why You Should Read? Understand the deep-seated systemic failures behind inadequate responses to global catastrophes. Gain insight into an interdisciplinary theory of disasters, from historical context to modern networked societies. Learn crucial lessons from history to better prepare for future crises and avoid societal decline. Explore Niall Ferguson's incisive critique of modern Western governance, bureaucracy, and political leadership.
Highlights
- Examines systemic failures behind disaster mismanagement
- Covers COVID-19, natural calamities, and financial crises
- Draws on economics, cliodynamics, and network science
- Offers a general theory of disasters
- Critiques modern bureaucracy and political leadership
Themes
Available formats
1 formatPaperback
Physical
All 77 Districts COD
Nationwide cash on delivery
7-day exchange
Damage or wrong edition
Genuine print
Direct from publishers
Specifications
10 detailsAbout the author
Community Reviews
Sign in to Write a ReviewWrong edition? Want a different title?
Tell us about a book, edition or format you'd like us to stock — or flag anything off about this page.
Sign in to send us a message - it lets us reply and keeps out spam.
Sign inMore from Niall Ferguson
All by Niall Ferguson →Questions about this book
What is the main argument of the book?
Ferguson argues that modern societies fail to manage disasters due to systemic pathologies in complex, bureaucratic systems, not just individual mistakes.
What types of disasters does the book cover?
It covers pandemics like COVID-19, natural calamities, and financial crises.
What academic fields does the author draw on?
He draws on economics, cliodynamics, and network science to construct his theory.
Is the book critical of modern governance?
Yes, it offers an incisive critique of Western governance, bureaucracy, and political leadership.




