Antarctic, The (Very Short Introductions)

Description: The Antarctic is one the most hostile natural environments in the world. It is an extraordinary physical space, which changes significantly in shape and size with the passing of the seasons. Politically, it is unique as it contains one of the few areas of continental space not claimed by any nation-state. Scientifically, the continental ice sheet has provided us with vital evidence about the Earth's past climate. In this Very Short Introduction, Klaus Dodds provides a modern account of Antarctica, highlighting the main issues facing the continent today. Looking at how the Antarctic has been explored and represented in the last hundred years, Dodds considers the main exploratory and scientific achievements of the region. He explains how processes such as globalization mean that the Antarctic is increasingly involved in a wider circuit of ideas, goods, people, trade, and governance - all of which have an impact on the future of the region. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Review: The book's focus is very good and I think that many of my colleagues could benefit from reading it. On that basis, I would recommend it. Mark Brandon, Geographical

Contents: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ; 1. Defining the Antarctic ; 2. Discovering the Antarctic ; 3. Claiming and negotiating the Antarctic ; 4. Governing the Antarctic ; 5. Doing Antarctic science ; 6. Exploiting and protecting the Antarctic ; FURTHER READING ; INDEX

Author Biography:
Klaus Dodds is Professor of Geopolitics at Royal Holloway, University of London and a Visiting Fellow at St Cross College, University of Oxford. He is editor of The Geographical Journal and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was a visiting fellow at Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury and has worked with national and international polar organizations including British Antarctic Survey, Antarctica New Zealand, International Polar Foundation, and the Australian Antarctic Division. He has visited the Antarctic on four occasions, including sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and South Orkneys.