The geopolitics of hurricane knowledge: Power, vulnerability, and science in the Caribbean

Hurricane forecasting in the Caribbean is built upon a power imbalance. The United States assumes a dual role, issuing hurricane predictions for both its domestic mainland and the islands of the Caribbean.

These forecasts, while shared abroad at no direct monetary cost, hold tremendous value: accurate and timely predictions enable communities to prepare, while inaccurate or uncertain forecasts can result in mass casualties and economic devastation. The intertwining of scientific knowledge and political power has deep historical roots in the region, with the United States leveraging meteorology for geopolitical influence for more than a century. This dynamic raises broader questions about transboundary knowledge transfer, the science–policy interface, public trust, and geopolitical power.

Dr Kujawa will explore how hurricane forecasting and disaster aid intersect with the colonial legacies that continue to shape contemporary vulnerabilities and geopolitics. Her research shows that hurricane knowledge — essential for mitigating risk and vulnerability — is inherently plural and indeterminate, interpreted differently by decision-makers across varied contexts and shaped by longstanding power dynamics. In the Caribbean, the circulation and use of hurricane forecasts reveal broader tensions around fairness, vulnerability, and geopolitical influence — issues that are especially salient as the new Trump administration moves to reduce U.S. scientific collaboration, international aid, and diplomatic engagement.

If you would like to attend online, please email eei@hull.ac.uk to request a teams link.