Building Community Resilience to the Risks of Natural Disasters in Ensuring Societal Security - Case Studies of Floods in Germany and the Czech Republic in 2021-2024

This study examines the concept of societal security, distinguishing it from other forms of security, and highlights crisis management as a key area for applying this framework in the analysis of social phenomena. The functioning of societal security mechanisms is illustrated through the case of community resilience to natural disasters, specifically focusing on responses to floods in Germany and the Czech Republic. Using a descriptive case study method, the research identifies differences in how these two countries build societal resilience to disaster risks. The authors argue that Germany and the Czech Republic vary not only in the amount of available social, economic, human, and physical capital but also in how these resources are utilized. The presence of resources alone is not sufficient to guarantee effective crisis resolution or societal security in the face of natural hazards. The study finds that the key divergence lies in the balance between strategies of resource mobilization and exploitation. The Czech Republic tends to rely on mobilization, while Germany emphasizes the exploitation of existing capacities. This imbalance shapes their respective approaches to societal security and affects the resilience of communities to flood-related risks. The authors conclude that there are currently no clear prospects for restoring balance between these strategies in either country. They stress the need for coordinated governance, integrated problem-solving, and clearly defined responsibilities across institutions. Without such mechanisms, communities may face existential threats due to ineffective crisis management.The study also warns that inadequate disaster response and prevention can undermine public trust in state institutions, potentially leading to political instability. From this perspective, societal security emerges as a vital dimension of national well-being and sustainable development.