Crises

A crisis is a situation in which normal operations are disrupted, safety or legitimacy is at risk, and urgent decisions are required. Crises can unfold rapidly or develop from accumulating risks, and they may affect individuals, organizations, communities, or nations. Although often associated with disasters, crises also include political, economic, health, or organizational incidents that demand coordinated response.

Crises are categorized by scope and duration. Acute crises arise quickly and require immediate action; chronic crises persist over time; cascading or systemic crises spread across sectors and jurisdictions. Common types include financial crises, political crises, public health emergencies, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, and severe organizational failures.

Causes include external shocks, structural vulnerabilities, leadership deficiencies, and breakdowns in information or governance. A crisis typically follows a lifecycle: detection and assessment, containment and response, recovery and reconstruction, and review and learning. The speed and quality of decisions, communication, and coordination influence outcomes.

Crisis management aims to minimize harm and restore functioning. It relies on planning, clearly defined roles, adequate resources, and transparent communication with stakeholders. Eliciting credible information, maintaining public trust, and ethical considerations are central to legitimacy. The term crisis derives from Greek krisis, meaning turning point or decision, reflecting the emphasis on decisive action during upheaval.