Dependence, Risk, and Vulnerability.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to articulate a framework for interrelating the concepts of dependence, risk, and vulnerability. To do this we first distinguish dependence (susceptibility to utility losses) from risk (the probability such losses will be inflicted). Then we relate these two concepts through the idea that vulnerability is the expected value of such potential utility losses. Among other things, this approach enables us to highlight those strategies that attempt to reduce vulnerability by lessening dependence and those which aim to reduce vulnerability by lowering the probability that such utility losses will be imposed. In the second section of this paper, we define dependence and distinguish between two fundamental subtypes -- 'positive' and 'negative.' The third section presents a viable general technique for measuring dependence. Section four considers the relations among dependence, risk, and vulnerability. Section five is concerned with strategies for reducing vulnerability. Concluding remarks follow in section 6. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA102698

Entities

People

  • James Thomason

Organizations

  • Center for Naval Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

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  • Applied Mathematics
  • Business Administration
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  • Foreign Policy
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  • International Organizations
  • National Security
  • Operations Research
  • Path Integrals
  • Personnel Management
  • Petroleum
  • Vulnerability

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