Benevolent discipline: governing affect in post-Yolanda disaster reconstruction in the Philippines

This paper analyses how affect and emotions are activated embodied by the state in post-disaster rebuilding. It focuses on reconstruction of Tacloban City, Philippines, which was devastated typhoon Yolanda 2013. I introduce concept benevolent discipline to characterise a mode governing that is animated state’s narratives performances ‘benevolence’ as way regulating conduct constituents towards its aspirations for recovery. show discourse safety – used justify relocation informal settlers from city’s danger zones coalesces with disciplinary techniques targeting affective life urban poor produce ‘governable’ subjects reconstructed city. altruistic this regard mobilisation constitute mechanisms power serve dispossess marginalise displaced communities. argue play critical role everyday experiences A focus dimensions governance helps expose potentialities previously obscured studies disaster reconstruction.