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How can we analyze the institutional reactions to shocking events producing abrupt and substantial changes? To deal with this question, the paper assumes an interdisciplinary perspective by combining geography and sociology. After defining the foundational concepts of shocking events and institutions, the paper suggests that the outcomes of such events in respect of institutional frameworks should be analyzed at the territorial level as 'spaces of rupture and reconfiguration'. In the concluding section, the collection of the articles included in the Special Issue – to which this paper serves as lead essay – are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy brings to light the tenuous U.S. model of natural disaster management. Climatic extremes, like Sandy, are projected to increase in magnitude and frequency, calling upon societies to adapt appropriately to imminent threats. In this paper, we describe the knowledge and policy disconnect exposed by Sandy between what we submit are four key elements of adaptive capacity: resources, institutions, knowledge and innovation of technology. Our synthesis of multi-disciplinary expert knowledge and admonition from civil engineers, climatologists, and urban planners demonstrates the significance of mobilizing knowledge to design robust socio-ecological systems. We contrast the U.S. model to the Dutch system of climate adaptation to emphasize the feasibility, value, and effectiveness of adopting robust adaptive capacities, rather than policies steeped in reactionary responses. Such strategies that integrate coordination and imagination from members across society are imperative in translating scientific foresight into institutional action. The solution we offer is not only material for a more action-based discussion, but also provides an illustration of crafting policy that enhances adaptive capacities of socio-ecological systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]