The social mechanics of resilience: a conceptual framework for understanding trust, networks and sensemaking in multi-hazard early warning systems

Purpose This article introduces the social mechanics of resilience (SMR), a conceptual framework explaining how trust, social networks and sensemaking shape collective responses to multi-hazard early warning systems. Although warning technologies have advanced, gaps persist between alert issuance and public action. The article reframes warning effectiveness as a relational and interpretive challenge rather than solely a technical one. Design/methodology/approach The article develops a conceptual framework through integrative analysis of disaster resilience research, social capital theory, risk and crisis communication and sensemaking literature. Rather than presenting empirical findings, it synthesizes these bodies of work to specify how bonding, bridging and linking social capital interact with trust and interpretation processes across the warning–response continuum. Findings The SMR framework demonstrates that warning effectiveness depends on relational trust, network structure and shared interpretation. Trust influences whether warnings receive attention, networks shape message circulation and sensemaking affects how risk is understood and acted upon. The framework highlights feedback loops across preparedness and response phases and underscores the importance of inclusive engagement and credible communication. Originality/value This article advances disaster resilience theory by specifying how trust, networks and sensemaking function as interacting mechanisms linking early warnings to collective action. By integrating previously separate strands of research into a coherent model, it offers both theoretical clarity and practical insight for emergency management and provides a foundation for future empirical testing.