An empirical case design and stress test addressing hidden, dynamic and emergent vulnerabilities of society

Abstract

The analytical framework ‘New Strains of Society’ deals with the effects of hidden, dynamic and emerging threats and vulnerabilities of society, and the possible handling of this. Empirical case studies aim to enhance the framework by testing its approaches on specific areas. Active feedback, verification, and ownership among stakeholders are valuable achievements in the development process. This paper describes a basis for design of empirical case studies of which case results should provide input and support to the overall framework. The specific case covered is the thematic area ‘Oil in High North’. In addition, a stress test procedure is suggested for analyses of specific threat landscapes, as a means of improved utilization of case-results.