9732233 Birkland This research seeks to understand through empirical study the factors that contribute to variation in state roles in mitigating losses from and preparing for disasters. Particular attention will be paid to the diffusion of lessons among states that have been learned about the effective action in the aftermath of recent major disasters. These concern the adoption of land-use planning, building practices, and preparedness legislation that stem from major disasters. The research is both quantitative and qualitative, with a 50-state data set to be constructed to isolate determinants of improved policy, followed by a more detailed qualitative study of disaster policy making in a sample of states. ***
