Territory Beyond Terra

The book "Territory beyond Terra" explores the politics of spaces that defy a simplistic understanding of territory, such as oceans, air, and watercourses, to shed light on the challenges of our dynamic world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Terra, or land, is a fundamental concept in our understanding of territory. It refers to a surface with fixed points and stable features that can be measured, categorized, and controlled. However, our understanding of territory is limited to the Earth's landmass, overlooking the vast and diverse spaces that exist beyond it.

Oceans, for instance, are dynamic environments where places are continuously re-formed through processes such as tectonic plate movement, ocean currents, and marine life. These spaces defy the fixed and stable nature of terra, making them challenging to categorize and control.

Similarly, air is a vast and ever-changing entity that cannot be fully contained within physical boundaries. It is constantly influenced by weather patterns, climate change, and human activities, making it a contentious space in contemporary politics.

Watercourses, too, transcend boundaries and obtain their value by flowing through multiple regions and ecosystems. They are not limited to fixed geographical locations but are shaped by natural processes and human interventions.

This book explores the politics of these spaces to shed light on the challenges of our increasingly dynamic world. By focusing on the elements, environments, and edges of these spaces, the contributors to Territory beyond Terra extend our understanding of territory to the dynamic, contentious spaces of contemporary politics.

The politics of oceans are particularly complex and multifaceted. They are not only vast and dynamic environments but also important sources of food, transportation, and energy. However, oceans are also vulnerable to pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which have significant economic and environmental consequences.

Similarly, the politics of air are shaped by the global distribution of resources, the impact of human activities on the environment, and the need to address issues such as air pollution, climate change, and the depletion of the ozone layer.

Watercourses, too, are subject to political tensions and conflicts. They are important sources of water for agriculture, industry, and human consumption, but they can also be sources of pollution and environmental degradation. Water conflicts can arise between countries, regions, and even individuals over access to and control of water resources.

In conclusion, the concept of terra is limited to the Earth's landmass, overlooking the vast and diverse spaces that exist beyond it. Oceans, air, and watercourses are dynamic environments that defy the fixed and stable nature of terra, making them challenging to categorize and control. This book examines the politics of these spaces to shed light on the challenges of our increasingly dynamic world. By focusing on the elements, environments, and edges of these spaces, the contributors to Territory beyond Terra extend our understanding of territory to the dynamic, contentious spaces of contemporary politics.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786600110