Resource Peripheries in the Global Economy: Networks, Scales, and Places of Extraction

This book explores the socio-spatial formation of resource peripheries, examining the conditions that underpin their development and the consequences for those places. It provides an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from economic geography, political ecology, resource geography, development studies, and political geography. It argues that understanding the socio-spatial processes behind the contemporary appropriation and transformation of nature is crucial for a more profound appraisal of capitalism's impact on the environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 213 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics that shape specific places as resource peripheries, exploring the profound consequences that this socio-spatial formation entails for these regions. Drawing upon a diverse range of disciplines, including economic geography, political ecology, resource geography, development studies, and political geography, the book offers an interdisciplinary framework for understanding these complex processes. Moreover, it sheds light on the diverse technological, political, and economic transformations that underpin the ongoing production of resource peripheries within the global economy. By adopting a global and interdisciplinary lens, the book uncovers the ongoing political processes, socio-economic changes, and socio-ecological dynamics at resource peripheries, emphasizing the critical need to undertake a more profound appraisal of the socio-spatial processes underlying the contemporary appropriation and transformation of nature by capitalism.

Introduction:
The concept of resource peripheries has gained increasing attention in recent years, as scholars and policymakers recognize the significant challenges and opportunities associated with these regions. Resource peripheries are characterized by their dependence on extractive industries, such as mining, forestry, or agriculture, which often contribute to economic growth but also lead to environmental degradation, social inequality, and political instability. This book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conditions that underpin the configuration of resource peripheries and the consequences that such a socio-spatial formation involves for those places.

Theoretical Framework:
The book is grounded in a theoretical framework that combines economic geography, political ecology, resource geography, development studies, and political geography. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a holistic analysis of the complex processes at play in resource peripheries. Economic geography provides insights into the economic structures and processes that shape resource extraction and development, while political ecology examines the power relations and political processes that govern resource access and distribution. Resource geography focuses on the spatial and environmental dimensions of resource extraction, while development studies explores the social and economic changes that occur in resource-dependent communities. Political geography examines the political processes and institutions that shape resource governance and policy.

Socio-Spatial Formation of Resource Peripheries:
The book explores the diverse technological, political, and economic changes that make the ongoing production of resource peripheries a distinctive socio-spatial formation under the global economy. It examines the processes by which resource extraction and development lead to the marginalization and exclusion of local communities, as well as the social and economic inequalities that arise as a result. It also discusses the ways in which resource peripheries are shaped by global economic institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization, and the policies and practices that these institutions promote.

Consequences of Resource Periphery Socio-Spatial Formation:
The consequences of resource periphery socio-spatial formation are far-reaching and multifaceted. Resource peripheries often face environmental degradation, as extractive industries exploit natural resources without regard for sustainable practices. This leads to soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, which have negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems. Moreover, resource peripheries are often characterized by social inequality, as marginalized communities struggle to access basic services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This inequality can perpetuate poverty and political instability, as communities seek to assert their rights and claim a share of the benefits of resource extraction.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of resource peripheries and their socio-spatial formation. By adopting a global and interdisciplinary perspective, it uncovers the ongoing political processes, socio-economic changes, and socio-ecological dynamics at resource peripheries. It argues that it is critical to take a more profound appraisal about the socio-spatial processes behind the contemporary way in which capitalism is appropriating and transforming nature. By understanding these processes, we can develop more effective strategies for promoting sustainable development, social justice, and environmental protection in resource-dependent regions.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030846084
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021