Guest editorial introduction : critical reflections on governance and ‘resilience’ in small island contexts

Abstract

Climate policy documents and national plans of small island states and subnational jurisdictions frequently reference the need for ‘resilience’. Yet, definitions of ‘resilience’ vary across disciplines, and depend on one’s cultural lens. Furthermore, climatic trends and events are often not the only challenges facing island communities; they occur

alongside political, economic, social, and cultural change and events, giving rise to context- specific and interlinked vulnerabilities, which in turn require tailored and thoughtful solutions.

This special section seeks to reflect on what the concept of 'resilience' means in island contexts, how it is deployed, and the dynamics of governance and decision making for 'resilience'. Drawing on the papers in this special section, we suggest that there are several points of ‘creative tension’ in resilience discourse. Identifying the gaps between ‘resilience’ as currently conceptualised, and what could be, helps us move towards more equitable and just resilience.