The author shows how, in consequence of social, cultural and technological changes, contemporany conditions are prone to high risks, the treatment of which is greatly a responsability of the public sphere. After studying the many types of risks and the present configuration of public management, he stresses the importance of a strategic perspective and outlines a model of management for high-risk situations.Tipos de risco. Problemática atual da gerência pública. Importância da visão estratégica. Modelo de gerência para situações de alto risco.