Rethinking Collaborative Governance in Federal Systems: A Theoretical Analysis of the U.S. Emergency Management System and Its Cross-National Implications

Abstract

This paper conducts a theoretical examination of the U.S. emergency management system, focusing on its framework, core practices, and underlying theoretical constructs. Utilizing a combination of literature review and qualitative content analysis based on the provided conceptual diagram, this study identifies the "Dual-Track Federalism and Collaborative Governance Model" as the central mechanism of the U.S. system. The analysis delves into six core characteristics: Unified Command, Tiered Response, Risk Early Warning, Professionalized Rescue, Social Participation, and Inter-departmental Linkage. Furthermore, the study introduces a comparative perspective, juxtaposing the U.S. model with other global systems to highlight its unique strengths and limitations. The findings suggest that while the U.S. model excels in resource mobilization and inter-agency coordination, it faces significant challenges in vertical bureaucratic efficiency and equity in resource distribution during large-scale disasters. The study concludes by extracting practical insights for enhancing global disaster resilience, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks, technological infrastructure, and social capital in modern emergency management.