260 Pages 37 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    256 Pages 37 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    In 1904 Sir Halford Mackinder published his seminal paper The Geographical Pivot of History demonstrating the central position of political geography in the study of geography as a whole; a century later and political geography is still at the heart of human geography.

    Yet over time political geography has experienced many significant ups and downs, eventually recovering to a position of renewed pre-eminence as the last century drew to a close. This fascinating journey, charted by this equally fascinating book, forms a key part of the history of the evolution of spatial science. Beyond a narrative, the book provides an introduction to all the complex elements that constitute political geography today. Organized in three distinct sections, it covers:

    • process and patterns
    • ideology and geopolitical visions
    • beyond the state.

    Tackling key contemporary issues (such as politics and the local state), as well as more traditional topics (such as state formation and international relations), this thought-provoking book covers the range of theoretical approaches. Including many original maps and diagrams which skilfully illustrate key themes, this book is a concise, student-friendly, pedagogically rich introduction for students of geography, political science and world affairs.

    1. Placing Political Geography  Part 1  2. Human Territory, Maps and the Division of Space 3. The Idea of State 4. Making States Function: The Variety of Local State Systems 5. The Politics of Difference 6. Social Movements, Pressure Groups and Political Parties 7. Electoral Geographies  Part 2  8. Imagining Natural Divisions of Global Power 9. Dreams into Action: The Making of National Foreign Policy 10. Annexing the Oceans  Part 3  11. Globalisation and the Theory of World Systems 12. States in the 21st Century 13. Conclusion: Spatial Political Change in Context

    Biography

    Mark Blacksell

    Dodds presents a clear overview of the field, ranging widely in subject matter and with many well-chosen examplars of the interactions between geography, knowledge, power and political institutions. Ron Johnston, School of Geographical Sciences, Bristol University.