Routledge An Introduction to Political Geography

Old powers are falling. New states are emerging. The gap between East and West is narrowing. What are the problems facing the emerging new world order? Can action at the community level affect global issues? An Introduction to Political Geography, in its first edition helped shape the study of the discipline. Entirely revised and updated, this new edition explores political and geographic change within the same accessible framework. John Short emphasises the need for a fluid approach to the study of the international order, the nation state, as well as social movements. Though the world is becoming smaller, popular access to power remains an elusive goal. An integrated world economy may well perpetuate past inequalities just as political systems continue to work by exclusion. The global village and the ecological approach this implies, must be paid particular attention when examining the political geography of participation. An Introduction to Political Geography reviews the history of the rise and fall of centres of power, draws on a wide range of detailed international case studies to illustrate current trends, and discusses future developments. Review 'The second edition of Short's book is a most welcome addition to the literature ... the most engaging feature of the new edition is the author's care and imagination in making the material accessible through judicious summaries, clear diagrams and carefully annotated bibliographies. Together, they should make the book an instant success in schools and higher education institutions.' - Geography `The principal quality of this book is that it has been written for undergraduate students, and not for senior researchers ... if a new general impression emerges from this textbook on political geography, it is one of the fluidity of the geopolitical configurations of international affairs, from the national (State) and social movements. The efforts of a renewed approach, and the modernity of Short's book constitute an appreciable contribution in political geography.' - Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie 'This text is a masterful combination of classic and cutting-edge political geography from around the globe. It should have wide appeal.' - Michael Brown, University of Washington, USA 'This innovative book is an excellent introduction to contemporary political geography. Its threefold structure provides valuable routes into material covering both current theoretical debates and illuminating case studies. It is up-to-date in every sense and enables students to appreciate the discipline's approaches through accessible exemplars.' - Ron Johnston, University of Bristol, UK 'This book is much more than a basic introduction to political geography. It provides a critical, versatile alternative to traditional state-centric narratives in political geography and will be a valuable resource not only for political geographers but also for students in such fields as political science and sociology.' - Professor Anssi Paasi, University of Oulu