Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković is a recognized expert in Disaster Risk Management, with extensive experience in disaster risk reduction, community preparedness, disaster response, and recovery. His work focuses on improving the safety and resilience of communities. Professor Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge and understanding in the fields of disaster studies, emergency situations, and security. With a prolific output, he has authored more than 30 books, each contributing valuable insights and expertise to these critical areas of study. Through his extensive research and publications, Dr. Cvetković has become a leading authority, shaping discourse and informing policies related to disaster and crisis management both in Serbia and beyond. His works cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to risk assessment, disaster preparedness, response strategies, and post-crisis recovery. By examining case studies, analyzing historical events, and presenting theoretical frameworks, Dr. Cvetković provides comprehensive perspectives on the complex dynamics of crises and their management. Moreover, his interdisciplinary approach incorporates insights from fields such as sociology, psychology, public health, and engineering, enriching the discourse with multifaceted viewpoints. In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. Cvetković is actively engaged in practical initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience and mitigating risks in various contexts. As a member of the Scientific-Expert Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations, based in Belgrade, he collaborates with professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop effective strategies and solutions. His expertise is sought after in consultancy projects, training programs, and advisory roles, where he applies his theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering greater preparedness and response capabilities. Furthermore, Dr. Cvetković’s impact extends beyond academia and professional circles, as he strives to raise public awareness and promote community engagement in disaster resilience. Through outreach activities, media appearances, and educational campaigns, he advocates for proactive measures and collective responsibility in building safer and more resilient societies. By bridging the gap between research, policy, and public awareness, Dr. Cvetković plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of resilience and preparedness, ultimately contributing to the well-being and security of communities in Serbia and worldwide.

Recommended book citations:

  • Cvetković, V. (2026). Disaster risk management: Theory, concepts and methods [Upravljanje rizicima od katastrofa: teorija, koncepti i metode]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Gajović, A., & Cvetković, V. (2026). Digital environmental education: A model connecting stakeholder engagement with sustainable development goals and the European Green Deal [Digitalno obrazovanje o životnoj sredini: model povezivanja angažovanja stejkholdera sa ciljevima održivog razvoja i Evropskim zelenim dogovorom]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Cvetković, V., & Šišović, V. (2024). Community disaster resilience in Serbia [Otpornost zajednica na katastrofe u Srbiji]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Tanasić, J., & Cvetković, V. (2024). The efficiency of disaster and crisis management policy at the local level: Lessons from Serbia [Efikasnost politike upravljanja katastrofama i krizama na lokalnom nivou: pouke iz Srbije]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Tanasić, J., & Cvetković, V. (2024). Policy of crisis management in Serbia [Politika kriznog upravljanja u Srbiji]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Grozdanić, G., & Cvetković, V. (2024). Exploring multifaceted factors influencing community resilience to earthquake-induced geohazards: Insights from Montenegro [Istraživanje višedimenzionalnih faktora koji utiču na otpornost zajednica na geohazarde izazvane zemljotresima: uvidi iz Crne Gore]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Cvetković, V., & Renner, R. (2024). Comprehensive databases on natural and man-made (technological) hazards and disasters: Mapping risks and challenges [Sveobuhvatne baze podataka o prirodnim i antropogenim (tehnološkim) opasnostima i katastrofama: mapiranje rizika i izazova]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Cvetković, V. (2023). Disaster resilience: A guide to prevention, response, and recovery [Otpornost na katastrofe: vodič za prevenciju, reagovanje i oporavak]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2023). Historical development of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management [Istorijski razvoj Naučno-stručnog društva za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2023). Integrated disaster risk management: Preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery [Integrisano upravljanje rizicima od katastrofa: pripremljenost, ublažavanje, odgovor i oporavak]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2023). Preparedness of secondary schools in the West Morava Basin in the Republic of Serbia for disaster risk reduction and emergency management [Spremnost srednjih škola sliva Zapadne Morave u Republici Srbiji za smanjenje rizika od katastrofa i upravljanje u vanrednim situacijama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Fenomena.
  • Nikolić, N., Cvetković, V., & Ivanov, A. (2023). Human resource management in environmental security [Upravljanje ljudskim resursima u oblasti ekološke bezbednosti]. Belgrade, Serbia: Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management.
  • Cvetković, V., & Čaušić, L. (2022). Collection of regulations in the field of emergency situations [Zbirka propisa iz oblasti vanrednih situacija]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2022). Tactics of protection and rescue in disasters [Taktika zaštite i spasavanja u katastrofama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2021). Legal and security aspects of disaster risk management from natural and anthropogenic disasters [Pravni i bezbednosni aspekti upravljanja rizicima od prirodnih i antropogenih katastrofa]. Belgrade, Serbia: Faculty of Law in Novi Sad; Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V., & Jovanović, M. (2021). Disaster myths: Truths and misconceptions [Mitovi o katastrofama: istine i zablude]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V., & Martinović, J. (2021). Nuclear Disaster Management [Upravljanje u nuklearnim katastrofama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2021). Security risks and disasters [Bezbednosni rizici i katastrofe]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2020). Disaster Risk Management [Upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V., Filipović, M., & Gačić, J. (2019). Collection of regulations in the field of disaster risk management [Zbirka propisa iz oblasti upravljanja rizicima od katastrofa]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V. (2019). Risk management and disaster protection and rescue systems [Upravljanje rizicima i sistemi zaštite i spasavanja od katastrofa]. Belgrade, Serbia: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama.
  • Cvetković, V., Bošković, D., Janković, B., & Andrić, S. (2019). Risk perception of emergency situations [Percepcija rizika od vanrednih situacija]. Belgrade, Serbia: Criminalistic-Police Academy.
  • Cvetković, V., Milašinović, S., & Gostimirović, L. (2018). Historical development of police education in Serbia [Istorijski razvoj policijskog obrazovanja u Srbiji]. Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina: College of Business and Technical Studies.
  • Cvetković, V. (2017). Methodology of disaster research: Theories, concepts and methods [Metodologija istraživanja katastrofa – teorije, koncepti i metode]. Belgrade, Serbia: Zadužbina Andrejević.
  • Cvetković, V., & Filipović, M. (2017). Preparedness for natural disasters: Recommendations for improvement [Pripremljenost za prirodne katastrofe – preporuke za unapređenje pripremljenosti]. Belgrade, Serbia: Zadužbina Andrejević.
  • Miladinović, S., Cvetković, V., & Milašinović, S. (2017). Management in landslide-induced crisis situations [Upravljanje u kriznim situacijama izazvanim klizištima]. Belgrade, Serbia: Criminalistic-Police Academy.
  • Bošković, D., & Cvetković, V. (2017). Risk assessment in preventing criminal acts involving explosive materials [Procena rizika u sprečavanju izvršenja krivičnih dela eksplozivnim materijama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Criminalistic-Police Academy.
  • Cvetković, V. (2016). Police and natural disasters [Policija i prirodne katastrofe]. Belgrade, Serbia: Zadužbina Andrejević.
  • Cvetković, V., & Gačić, J. (2016). Evacuation in natural disasters [Evakuacija u prirodnim katastrofama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Zadužbina Andrejević.
  • Ivanov, A., & Cvetković, V. (2016). Natural disasters: Geospatial and temporal distribution [Prirodni katastrofi – geoprostorna i vremenska distribucija]. Skopje, North Macedonia: Faculty of Security, University “St. Kliment Ohridski”–Bitola.
  • Jakovljević, V., Cvetković, V., & Gačić, J. (2015). Natural disasters and education [Prirodne katastrofe i obrazovanje]. Belgrade, Serbia: Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade.
  • Cvetković, V. (2013). First responders in emergency situations [Interventno-spasilačke službe u vanrednim situacijama]. Belgrade, Serbia: Zadužbina Andrejević.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management. The International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM) is a double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access international journal published twice a year, dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research and practice in disaster and hazard studies, policy, and management. IJDRM publishes contributions across the full disaster risk management cycle—prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—covering natural hazards, technological/man-made hazards, complex emergencies, and global crises. For detailed information, please consult the relevant sections of our website: About (About the Journal; Aims and Scope; Editor-in-Chief; Editorial Board; Editorial Independence and Non-Interference; Abstracting and Indexing Information; Publisher; Brochure; Contact; Editorial Masthead), Policies (Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement; Archiving Policy; Open Access Policy; Copyright and Licensing Policy; Repository Policy; Peer Review Policy; Plagiarism Policy and Preprints; Retraction Policy; View Profile; Privacy Statement), For Authors (Authorship; Author Instructions; Manuscript Preparation; Template for Authors; Publication Model: Continuous (Rolling) Publication; Publication Fees; Discount Policy—APC Discounts, Vouchers, Waivers; Revenue Sources; Conflicts of Interest; Submissions), and For Reviewers (Reviewer Instructions; Reviewer Acknowledgements; Reviewers’ Responsibilities; Reviewers Certificates/Voucher).  Disaster risk management, natural hazards, technological disasters, emergency situations, crisis management, disaster theory and practice, risk reduction, mitigation, preparedness, hazard analysis, resilience, complex emergencies, global crises, policy, humanitarian response, public health, climate adaptation, vulnerability, sustainability. The publisher is the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Belgrade, Serbia. The journal’s founder and Editor-in-Chief is Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković from the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Serbia, where he serves at the Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, for the subject Disaster Risk Management. He is also a Visiting Professor at Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria, within the Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, specializing in Safety and Disaster Management (SDM) as part of an interdisciplinary program. Additionally, he is the President of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and the Director of the International Institute for Disaster Research. ISSN (printed edition) 2620-2662, ISSN (electronic edition) 2620-2786, UDC: 614.8.069. Journal Abbreviation – Int. J. Disaster Risk Manag. For further information, please consult the Brochure, Poster and the Booklet regarding the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Submission of the articles doesn’t involve article processing charges (APCs) or submission charges. The journal crosses and influences interdisciplinary boundaries to foster communication, collaboration, and teamwork among professions and disciplines, aiming to prevent (prevention) or limit (mitigation and preparedness) the adverse impacts of hazards within the broad context of sustainable development. The journal promotes the exchange of ideas and experiences to reduce the risk of disasters and enhance community resilience in alignment with sustainable development and planetary boundaries. This is an open-access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. 

Integrated Disaster Risk Management: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery

A thematic collection of papers entitled “Integrated Disaster Risk Management: Preparedness, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery.” This collection is the result of independent research activities by dedicated professors and researchers, bringing together thirteen relevant scientific papers carefully selected to provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects of natural and anthropogenic disaster management. In the process of creating this collection, each paper underwent careful review by a large number of experts, ensuring a high level of expertise and quality. The Scientific and Program Committee, composed of distinguished professors from various universities and faculties, contributed to the comprehensive consideration and selection of papers included in this edition. All papers in the collection offer skillfully elaborated perspectives on diverse aspects of disaster risk management. The authors have dedicated themselves to the analysis and consideration of the latest knowledge in the fields of preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery after disasters, providing readers with a deep insight into the complexity and challenges arising from this important area. With this collection, we aim to encourage dialogue and the exchange of ideas among experts, researchers, and all those involved in disaster risk management issues. We believe that readers will find valuable insights and information that will contribute to further improving practices and policies in the field of catastrophic events. We express our gratitude to all the authors, reviewers, and members of the Scientific and Program Committee for their dedicated work and contribution to the creation of this collection. We hope that this compilation of papers will serve as a resource inspiring further research and contributing to the development of effective strategies for disaster risk management. We take great pleasure in presenting this collection, which covers diverse thematic units in line with current trends in the development of disaster studies. These thematic units span a wide range, encompassing both natural and anthropogenic hazards, and are organized into three main categories. The first grouping of papers focuses on the preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery from disasters caused by natural hazards. Within this area, we explore the complex aspects of lithospheric disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. We also address the challenges posed by hydrospheric disasters like floods, avalanches, and mudslides. Atmospheric disasters, including stormy hail events, droughts, and extremely low and high temperatures, are also thoroughly examined. The biosphere takes center stage as we explore responses to epidemics, epizootics, epiphytotics, and forest fires. The richness of topics covered in this collection represents the collective effort of researchers, scientists, and experts dedicated to advancing our understanding and preparation for disasters. Each paper offers a unique perspective, supporting a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities inherent in disaster management. We express sincere thanks to all contributors for their valuable insights and believe that this collection will serve as a valuable resource for academic circles, decision-makers, and professionals engaged in the critical field of disaster studies.

Legal and Security Aspects of Natural and Man-Made Disaster Risk Management

In front of you is a thematic collection of papers titled Legal and Security Aspects of Risk Management in Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters. This collection is the result of independent research activities by professors and researchers, and it covers twenty-two relevant scientific papers that skillfully and engagingly elaborate on various legal and security aspects of managing natural and anthropogenic disasters. The papers have been reviewed by numerous reviewers, while the scientific and program committee included over ten professors from various universities and faculties. The thematic units of the collection are diverse, considering the current trend in disaster studies: a) Legal Aspects of Risk Management in Natural Disasters – Legal aspects of risk management in lithospheric disasters (earthquakes, landslides, and rockfalls, volcanic eruptions); legal aspects of risk management in hydrospheric disasters (floods and torrents, avalanches); legal aspects of risk management in atmospheric disasters (storm and hail events, droughts, extremely low and high temperatures); legal aspects of risk management in biospheric disasters (epidemics, epizootics, epiphytotics, forest fires); b) Legal Aspects of Risk Management in Anthropogenic Disasters – Legal aspects of risk management in nuclear and radiological disasters; legal aspects of risk management in industrial disasters; legal aspects of risk management in transportation and infrastructural disasters; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by hazardous materials; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by warfare; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by fires; legal aspects of risk management in disasters caused by the use of weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism); c) Security Aspects of Risk Management in Natural Disasters – Security aspects of risk management in lithospheric disasters (earthquakes, landslides, and rockfalls, volcanic eruptions); security aspects of risk management in hydrospheric disasters (floods and torrents, avalanches); security aspects of risk management in atmospheric disasters (storm and hail events, droughts, extremely low and high temperatures); security aspects of risk management in biospheric disasters (epidemics, epizootics, epiphytotics, forest fires); d) Security Aspects of Risk Management in Anthropogenic Disasters – Security aspects of risk management in nuclear and radiological disasters; security aspects of risk management in industrial disasters; security aspects of risk management in transportation and infrastructural disasters; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by hazardous materials; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by warfare; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by fires; security aspects of risk management in disasters caused by the use of weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism). This collection of papers is intended for anyone interested in further developing their expertise in disaster studies to advance their academic endeavors. Given the lack of professional literature in the field of risk management in natural and anthropogenic disasters, the scientific and societal significance of this collection is undoubtedly substantial.

Tactics for Protection and Rescue in Emergency Situations: Field Experiences and Lessons Learned

Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković – Disaster Risk Management Expert Vladimir M. Cvetković – Expertise in Disaster Risk Management and Security

First National Seminar on Emergency Situations: Tactics for Protection and Rescue in Emergency Situations: Field Experiences and Lessons Learned, Belgrade, Kolarac Endowment, April 16–18, 2021. The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSDR-URVS) and the International Institute for Disaster Research in Belgrade, in cooperation with a large number of relevant and socially responsible entities and rescue forces in emergency situations, organized the First Three-Day National Seminar for youth and students from all state and private universities and faculties from Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Croatia. The theme of the seminar was Tactics for Protection and Rescue in Emergency Situations: Field Experiences and Lessons Learned, and it was held in Belgrade at the Great Hall of the Kolarac Endowment from April 16 to 18, 2021, with strict adherence to all preventive epidemiological measures. The first day of the seminar began with the welcoming of lecturers, participants, and guests, followed by their registration. After that, the program started with the national anthem of the Republic of Serbia, Bože pravde, performed by Nikolina Milenković, as well as the anthem of the University of Belgrade. Dear readers, after the successful completion of the first national seminar on emergency situations organized by the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management and the International Institute for Disaster Research, we present to you a thematic collection of papers titled Tactics for Protection and Rescue in Emergency Situations: Field Experiences and Lessons Learned. This collection is the result of independent research activities by students and includes thirteen relevant scientific papers that skillfully and interestingly elaborate on various phenomenological and etiological dimensions of protection and rescue tactics in emergency situations. The papers were reviewed by seven reviewers, while the scientific and program committee of the seminar included more than ten professors from different universities and faculties. The thematic units of the collection were diverse, considering the current trend of disaster studies development: a) Phenomenology of Disasters and Hazards: Lithospheric disasters; Hydrospheric disasters; Atmospheric disasters; Biospheric disasters; Disasters caused by technical and technological hazards (nuclear, radiological, transport-related, fires, etc.); Disasters caused by weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism). b) Tactics for Protection and Rescue in Natural Disasters: Tactics for protecting and rescuing people and property in lithospheric disasters (earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions); Hydrospheric disasters (floods, avalanches); Atmospheric disasters (storms, extreme temperatures); Biospheric disasters (epidemics, wildfires). c) Tactics for Protection and Rescue in Anthropogenic Disasters: Tactics for nuclear and radiological disasters; Industrial disasters; Transport and infrastructural disasters; Disasters caused by hazardous materials; Disasters due to war destruction; Fires; Weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism). This collection of papers is intended for anyone looking to further their education in disaster studies to enhance their academic or practical activities. Given the lack of specialized literature in the field of protection and rescue tactics in emergency situations, the scientific and social significance of this collection is undoubtedly great.

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