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Summary

This paper examines the evolution of national disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies in Fiji and Nepal, focusing on how large-scale disasters acted as catalysts for policy change. The study finds that while both countries experienced significant shifts in their DRR strategies, the driving forces differed: Fiji's policy change was facilitated by stable political leadership, whereas Nepal's transformation was largely influenced by international pressure. The research underscores the role of "focusing events" in opening windows of opportunity for policy reform and the importance of continuous commitment and diffusion processes in overcoming barriers to adaptation.