The Power of a Radical Reimagining of Disasters: Post-Colonial and Capitalist Nexus in Chile and Latin America (and Ideas for a Just and Equitable Future)

The following work presents a brief analysis of the nexus between post-colonialism, capitalism, and disasters in Chile and Latin America, with the aim of rethinking disaster risk management and reduction in the region for the coming decades. Thus, a radical reimagining of disasters in Latin America should emphasize the empowerment of marginalized voices, proactive disaster risk reduction, inclusive development, community resilience, the resolution of systemic injustices, and international solidarity. By integrating the perspectives and needs of indigenous communities and the urban poor into disaster planning, cities, and territories, prioritizing prevention and preparedness, redefining development to focus on well-being and sustainability, and fostering local initiatives, this approach demands that we address deep inequalities and other underlying factors of risk and maldevelopment. Addressing systemic issues such as land rights and wealth inequality, and promoting international collaboration, this radical reimagining can transform disasters into opportunities for positive social change, paving the way for a more just and equitable future in the region.