Abstract
This article explores the conceptual and theoretical foundations of disaster resilience to understand its full complexity and multidisciplinary nature. The first section traces definitions from their etymological origins and early scholarly interpretations to modern perspectives that view resilience as a dynamic mechanism for overcoming risk and crisis. It highlights the concept’s adaptability and transformability, as well as the role of learning in establishing stability—i.e., resilience. The second section organizes the conceptual framework of disaster resilience and its multiple dimensions. Resilience is seen as a combination of physical, social, institutional, and economic aspects, with particular focus on social cohesion and a culture of safety. The analysis emphasizes resilience as fundamental to sustainable development and societal strength. The third section examines different resilience dimensions, noting that there is no universal set; they vary by context and methodology. It considers biophysical, social, institutional, and local aspects, as well as the importance of prevention, education, infrastructure standards, and international cooperation in enhancing resilience. The fourth section discusses the leading actors in resilience—individuals, communities, and institutions—focusing on psychological skills at the individual level, social capital and solidarity at the community level, and the importance of institutional coordination and global initiatives that foster a culture of resilience. The discussion links these findings to existing research and points out the absence of universal indicators and standardized methods for measuring resilience. In conclusion, the article asserts that disaster resilience is an evolving process involving multiple dimensions and active participation from actors across all levels. A holistic approach, combined with new analytical tools, is crucial for accurate measurement and practical implementation in risk management, thereby establishing clear connections between local capacities, institutional policies, and international resilience efforts.
Conclusions
This article analyzed the conceptual and theoretical foundations of disaster resilience to capture the concept’s full complexity and multidisciplinary scope. It began by surveying diverse conceptions of resilience—from etymological origins and early scholarly interpretations to contemporary views that treat resilience as an integrative mechanism for overcoming risk and crisis. Emphasis was placed on the concept’s dynamic character and its connections to adaptability and transformability, underscoring the importance of adjustment and learning in resilience-building processes (Milenković, Cvetković, Ivanov, & Renner, 2024).
Subsequently, the paper examined the conceptual delineation of disaster resilience, highlighting its multidimensional nature. In synthesis, resilience is presented as a construct that integrates physical, social, institutional, and economic dimensions, with particular emphasis on social cohesion and a culture of safety. A review of current literature indicates that resilience is not merely a technical or security term but a core determinant of sustainable development and societal robustness (Milenković, Cvetković, & Renner, 2024).
The second half of the paper analyzes the dimensions of resilience. It stresses that there is no single, canonical set of dimensions; instead, they evolve depending on research approach and context. Biophysical, social, institutional, and local dimensions are investigated as key factors in building capacities for effective response and post-disaster recovery. The analysis underscores the role of prevention, education, infrastructure standards, and global cooperation in strengthening overall societal resilience.
Finally, the paper addresses the key actors of resilience. It considers the roles of individuals, communities, and institutions in resilience-relevant processes. At the individual level, psychological and social competencies are highlighted; at the collective level, solidarity, social capital, and institutional coordination are emphasized. Particular attention is given to global initiatives and strategies that foster a culture of resilience across diverse social contexts.
Based on the analysis, disaster resilience is a multilayered and dynamic process that simultaneously encompasses physical, social, institutional, and psychological dimensions. Historically, the concept has evolved from a technical and material construct into an integrative framework that includes the social and economic aspects of sustainability.
The dimensions of resilience point to the need for a systematic approach that integrates prevention, education, infrastructure, and global cooperation. Without the development of standards in these areas, community resilience remains constrained and insufficiently robust. At the same time, the significance of actors lies in the synergistic interaction among individual characteristics, collective resources, and institutional mechanisms, which together create the conditions for adequate recovery and long-term stability.
The paper demonstrates that disaster resilience is a dynamic process that requires the integration of multiple dimensions and the active engagement of actors at every level—from individuals to the international community. The complexity of the concept calls for a holistic approach and the development of new analytical tools that would enable reliable measurement and practical application in risk governance.
A key implication of this review is the need to direct future research toward the development of universal methodologies that integrate multiple disciplines. Particular attention should be devoted to the roles of social identity, cultural values, and institutional coordination, as these constitute the foundation for building sustainable and resilient communities. In practice, this entails the development of local and national policies that encourage solidarity, innovation, and active citizen participation in risk-governance processes to enhance disaster resilience.
How to cite
Milenković, D., & Cvetković, V. M. (2025). Rethinking Disaster Resilience: Conceptual Framework, Core Dimensions, and Key Actors. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 7(2), 455-468. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2025.7.2.25
