Framing an Unfolding Crisis: Leadership and Accountability in Times of National Crisis

Framing an Unfolding Crisis: Leadership and Accountability in Times of National Crisis Maya Mark (bio) Keywords October 7, Israel, Hamas, Crises, Crisis studies, Crisis Leadership, Post-crisis recovery, Accountability, Terrorism "Crises can be conceived of as bundles of real and present dangers, ills or evils that defy widely held beliefs that such things must not and cannot happen 'here'."1 INTRODUCTION In every nation's biography, some moments disrupt the normal flow of life, characterized by a heightened sense of danger and uncertainty. These moments pose deep challenges to people's perceptions and understandings of their world. Such moments are defined as crises, indicating periods of significant disturbance and upheaval. This article seeks to contextualize the horrific terror attack that occurred in Israel on October 7th within this framework. From the perspective of crisis studies, the episode that began to unfold on October 7th is far from over. Initially manifested as the most severe terror attack in Israel's history, it subsequently escalated into the nation's most extensive hostage situation, ultimately culminating in a war with profound impacts on the lives of the populace. This unfolding of events underscores the dynamic and ongoing nature of the crisis, continually shaping and reshaping the sociopolitical landscape. This trajectory can be expected to spawn a cascade of crises in social, economic, and political realms, all stemming directly from the initial incident. Such developments [End Page 101] underscore the complex and continuing nature of this situation, highlighting its far-reaching impact across various aspects of national life. At the time of writing, the situation remains fluid, with daily shifts in reality. However, despite this ongoing nature, the magnitude and severity of the tragic events that have already unfolded—impacting crucial domains such as the economy, society, security, foreign affairs, and politics—are poised to be marked as a pivotal moment in the history and historiography of Israel. Recognizing both the magnitude and seriousness of the events, along with the ongoing evolution of the crisis and its yet-to-be-fully-realized consequences, the goal of this article is intentionally modest. My purpose here is to offer an initial analytical perspective, identifying key areas that warrant our focus and posing questions rather than offering definitive answers. In doing so, I aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse, and hope to enrich it as new insights and understandings emerge. My primary objective is to foreground the discussion on crises as a theoretical lens for analyzing this event. I will draw upon the rich and extensive body of theoretical literature on crises to outline a conceptual framework that incorporates fundamental insights, guidelines, and reflections pertinent to crises of such magnitude. Based on this foundation, I aim to propose a series of fundamental and critical inquiries concerning the potential risks, consequences, and opportunities emerging from this crisis. These questions are intended to serve as a cornerstone and a robust platform for future dialogues and analyses that will undoubtedly evolve in the coming months and years. My hope is that this discussion will not only contribute to the current understanding but also aid in shaping the discourse that will unfold over time, providing a structured approach to examining and comprehending the multifaceted nature of this pivotal event. WHAT IS A CRISIS? The study of crises is a rich and multifaceted area of academic inquiry, encompassing various disciplines, each contributing its unique perspective and nuances. The interdisciplinary nature of crisis studies means that definitions and conceptual frameworks vary, reflecting the diverse academic lenses through which crises are viewed. In political science, for example, a crisis is often understood in terms of its impact on governance and policy-making, emphasizing aspects like state stability, political legitimacy, and the response of public institutions. Economists, on the other hand, might [End Page 102] focus on the financial and economic dimensions of a crisis, analyzing its causes, effects on markets, and socioeconomic consequences. Sociologists and anthropologists tend to explore the impact of crises on social structures, cultural norms, and community resilience, considering how societal relationships and behavior change during and after crises. Psychologists and mental health professionals examine the individual and collective psychological responses to crises, including stress, trauma, and coping mechanisms...