A key theoretical question which the article addresses is whether the effectiveness of hurricane responses depends on the state’s capacity, including social capital, public policy priorities, social values, and quality of leadership. Explanations are offered and factors identified as to why a state with massive resources and broad legitimacy like the U.S. responded ineffectively to Katrina while the Cuban government with limited resources and much less legitimacy performed effectively in managing Wilma. In turn, how did the first post-PRI government in 70 years with limited experience and neoliberal values manage its hurricane Wilma crisis?