• Explores the scientific, historical, cultural, and political significance of one of the world's most remote regions, providing the background to the physical geography of the continent
• Considers the challenges and pressures posed by a variety of issues, including tourism, fishing, science, environmental protection, and territorial sovreignty
• Highlights the exploratory and scientific achievements of the region
• Considers the issues surrounding borders and territories, including the Antarctic Treaty System
• Looks at the cultural significance of the continent

 
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. 
 
 
Reading Guide