Definition:
Disaster capitalism is the practice of using crises or emergencies to push through policies, privatisation, or economic changes that would face resistance under normal conditions.
Usage Context:
Seen in post-disaster reconstruction, economic crises, wars, pandemics, austerity programmes, and emergency governance.
Critical Note:
Disaster capitalism exploits moments of collective vulnerability and disorientation. By framing rapid change as unavoidable necessity, it bypasses democratic scrutiny and transfers wealth, resources, or power upward while affected populations are focused on survival.
Related Terms:
Crisis Exploitation, Shock Doctrine, Emergency Powers, Power Consolidation, Resource Capture