Planetary Hinterlands: Extraction, Abandonment and Care

The hinterland is a concept that helps us understand the global and planetary present, focusing on the human and more-than-human processes and forms of care that occur in sites defined by capitalist extraction and political abandonment.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 341 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This expansive open-access book delves into the concept of the hinterland as a vital tool for comprehending the intricate tapestry of the global and planetary present, a time marked by the enduring legacies of colonialism, the escalating precariousness of labor under late capitalist regimes, and the impending threat of climate disasters. Traditionally perceived as serving the functions of a colonial port or market town, the hinterland emerges as a lens through which to observe and explore the diverse times and spaces shaped and experienced across the conventional categories of urban, rural, wilderness, or nature. By transcending these boundaries, the concept of the hinterland forefronts the dynamic human and more-than-human processes and forms of care that persist even in sites defined by capitalist extraction and political abandonment.

Drawing together scholars from the humanities and social sciences, this book reimagines hinterland materialities, affectivities, and ecologies across diverse places and cultural imaginations, spanning the Global North and South, urban and rural landscapes, and land and water environments. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it sheds light on the complex interconnections and interdependencies that shape the hinterlands, challenging traditional narratives and revealing the hidden stories and struggles that often go unnoticed in the mainstream.

The book explores the multifaceted dimensions of the hinterland, including its economic, social, and cultural aspects. It examines how the hinterland is shaped by historical processes, such as colonization, migration, and industrialization, and how these processes continue to shape the lives and livelihoods of its inhabitants. It also explores the role of the hinterland in the production and consumption of goods and services, as well as its impact on the environment and climate change.

Furthermore, the book delves into the emotional and psychological dimensions of the hinterland. It examines how the hinterland is experienced and interpreted by individuals and communities, and how it contributes to their sense of identity, belonging, and well-being. It also explores the role of the hinterland in shaping cultural practices, traditions, and values, and how these cultural expressions are transmitted and transformed across generations.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the concept of the hinterland, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the global and planetary present. By highlighting the enduring legacies of colonialism, the escalating precarity of labor, and the looming climate disasters, it sheds light on the complex and interconnected challenges facing our world today. Through its multidisciplinary approach, it offers valuable insights into the diverse experiences, perspectives, and forms of care that shape the hinterlands, and it provides a platform for scholars and activists to engage in critical dialogue and action to address these pressing issues.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031242427
Edition number: 1st ed. 2024