This book, for the first time, brings together and updates the ground-breaking work of renowned risk theorist and researcher Ortwin Renn and integrates the major disciplinary concepts of risk in the social, engineering, and natural sciences. The book unfolds through consecutive acts, opening with the context of risk handling and flowing through the core topics of assessment, evaluation, perception, management, and communication, culminating in a look at the transition from risk management to risk governance and a glimpse at a new understanding of risk in (post)modern societies. The focus is on systemic risks, such as genetically modified organisms, that load high on complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity and have major repercussions on financial, economic, and social impact areas beyond the physical world. This is essential reading for all researchers, academics, and professionals across the social sciences, sciences, medical, engineering, and financial sectors.

Ortwin Renn is Professor and Chair of Environmental Sociology at the State University in Stuttgart, Germany. He is author or co-author of 30 books including Risk, Uncertainty and Rational Action (2001).

1. Introduction 2. What Is Risk? 3.Pre-assessment 4. Appraisal 5. Risk Perception 6. Risk Evaluation 7. Risk Management 8. Risk Communication 9. Risk Participation 10. The Social and Political Context of Risk Governance 11. Conclusions