The following book, Comparative Emergency Management: Understanding Disaster Policies, Organizations and Initiatives from Around the World, has the goal of increasing our knowledge of international emergency management systems. The book first provides some background information about this study and then identifies the importance of comparison. The methods for this research are discussed along with a preview of subsequent chapters. The major finding of this book is that there are many similarities and differences across national disaster contexts. As a result, it is argued students and emergency managers in all countries may learn from the disaster challenges facing other nations as well as their many and unique successes in this important profession.