Detailed TOCChapter One: IntroductionThis chapter describes the purpose and the motivation for the book, and situates the ensuing discussion within the overarching dichotomies described above. Themes Vulnerability and Resilience Isolation and Connectedness Diversity and CohesionBoundaries and Limitations to this Study of IslandsOutline of Chapters Chapter 2: Definitions and Classifications of IslandsIn this chapter we introduce students to complexities of island definitions and classifications. For example, how do functional and perceptual definitions of islands differ from what you might find listed under the word ''island'' in a dictionary? What is the difference between a continent and an island, or is there any difference? The word ''island'' itself has been used metaphorically in so many odd and unusual ways, as in ''a heat island'' or ''a traffic island'' or ''an island in a kitchen''. What do these and other appropriations of the word island tell us about our shared understanding of islands? We also review several of the common typologies or classifications of islands, as seen through the lenses of such disciplines as geomorphology, political science and international relations.2.1. Definitions of the Term ''Island''2.1.
1. Dictionary Definitions2.1.2. Historical and Linguistic Definitions2.1.3. The Island as Metaphor2.
1.4. Functional Definitions2.2. When is an Island a Continent, Archipelago, Atoll, Islet, Cay or Reef?2.3. Artificial or Anthropogenic Islands2.4.
Classifications of Islands2.4.1. Oceanic and Continental Islands2.4.2. A Political Classification2.4.
3. Other Important TermsChapter 3: Physical Processes and Islands (provided as a sample chapter)Much has been written about the physical processes that have formed islands, from subduction and the movement of the Earth''s tectonic plates, to volcanic upheaval and the deposition of riverine alluvial sediments. In this chapter we examine the physical processes that have created and modified the islands of the world. In addition to geomorphological processes, the evolution of island flora and fauna is one of the most fascinating aspects of island studies. Island locations offer some of the best examples of endemism and species biodiversity and, as such, are a cultural and economic treasure trove for islanders and the larger global society. Whether from the perspective of Charles Darwin''s analysis of finches on the Galápagos Islands or Alfred Wallace''s description of species differentiation across the islands of Southeast Asia, the examination of island biogeography has important implications for the evolution of the human species and life on our planet. This chapter also examines the climatology of islands, from the microclimates that create lush rainforests just a short distance from desert-like regions to the longer-term impacts of climate change on islands.3.
1. The Formation and Structure of Islands3.2. The Evolution of Island Flora and Fauna3.2.1. Endemism, Biogeography and Biodiversity3.3.
Islands, Microclimates and Climate ChangeChapter 4: Images of Islands from Literature and the Popular MediaOur popular images and stereotypes of islands have been created across a variety of media, from the sagas told by returning European explorers and merchants, to children''s adventure stories, to literature and poetry, cinema, television, music and even advertising. Here, we study these multiple forms of popular expression of islands, from the perspective of how they have shaped the images of islands and islanders and how these representations have influenced how islanders see themselves. 4.1. Islands in Literature and Poetry4.1.1. Historical Literature and European Exploration4.
1.2. Islands and Twentieth Century Literature4.1.3 Islands as Represented in Poetry4.2. The Music of Islands4.3.
Islands in Cinema, Television and AdvertisingChapter 5: The Settling of Islands and Indigenous - Outsider InteractionsIt may be a truism to state that all inhabited islands have been settled at some point in history, or prehistory, by immigrants. This chapter traces the settling of islands, from the indigenous peoples to the interactions between indigenous island societies and non-indigenous societies. The islander-outsider relationship is one that has spanned thousands of years. Historic examples of these relationships and the perceptions that have been generated by islander and non-islander interactions will help us to better understand the current social, economic and political life of islanders. 5.1. Pre-Historical Human Settlement of Islands - Two Case Studies:5.1.
1. Oceania and the Polynesians5.1.2. North Atlantic and the Vikings5.2. Islander and European Encounters - Explorers, Missionaries and MerchantsChapter 6: Islands, Islandness and CultureThe more recent relationships between islanders and mainlanders form a part of Chapter 6. The concept of islandness, not to be confused with insularity, is one of the most prominent and significant terms in island studies.
This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion of the interpretations and applications of islandness, primarily from the perspective of islanders but also from those who have not been raised in island environments. 6.1. Islandness6.2. Homogeneity and Heterogeneity on Islands6.3. Islander - Outsider Relationships in the Twentieth CenturyChapter 7: Geopolitics and Island GovernanceIn spite of an assumed and imputed association with marginalisation, many islands had, and continue to hold, a prominent political place in the world.
In this chapter, we describe the geopolitical roles played by the world''s islands and the level of power and autonomy they may or may not exercise. Over the past sixty years, and at least partly as a function of the creation of many more sovereign island states, the recognition of exclusive economic zones extending from coastlines and the consequences of climate change, islands increasingly find themselves at the centre of important international relations questions. This chapter discusses the importance of these trends and the more recent phenomenon for some islands, referred to as subnational island jurisdictions (SNIJs), to eschew nationhood in favour of an ongoing ambiguous political and economic relationship with a larger ''host'' nation (e.g., the Falkland Islands or the British Virgin Islands). Internally, islanders have adopted a variety of governance systems that reflect their island circumstances. Chapter 7 describes these systems of governance and the roles that these have played in the ongoing political evolution of islands. 7.
1. Classical and Modern Geopolitics as Applied to Islands7.2. Islands and International Relations - Are Islands Powerless?7.3. Contesting Islands and Island Offshore Territory7.4. Governance on Islands7.
5. Island Political CollaborationChapter 8: Islands and the Movement of PeopleThis chapter examines the roles that islands have played in the movement of people, both as recipients as well as sources of out-migration. Some of the most prominent cultural perceptions of islands are as disembarkation points for migrants and as sites for refugees. Therefore, this chapter examines islands as entry and exit points for humanity. It also looks at the exodus of populations from islands, the factors that have prompted these emigrations and the consequences of these diasporas, both for the islands themselves and for the displaced islanders. 8.1. Factors in Island Outmigration - Three Case Studies:8.
1.1. Ireland8.1.2. Cuba8.1.3.
Oceania8.2. Islands as Way Stations for Refugees and Immigrants 8.3. The Role of Island Diasporas8.4. A Culture of Migration and Remittances8.5.
Island Population Growth - Two Case Studies:8.5.1. Cayman Islands8.5.2. MadagascarChapter 9: Island Health and EpidemiologyIslands have been at the forefront in the development of our knowledge regarding health, wellness and epidemiology. Everything from our understanding of the evolution of epidemics to the genetics of colour blindness has benefited from exploring island contexts.
Chapter 9 describes the lessons that have been learned from an examination of population health on islands. Unfortunately, some island peoples also suffer from more severe health problems, including obesity and the consequences of obesity (such as diabetes). This chapter outlines some of the health challenges facing islanders and the role that the island context may have played in contributing to these health problems. 9.1. Population Health, Epidemiology and Islands9.2. Health Issues on Islands9.
2.1. Obesity and Diabetes - Special Island Health ChallengesChapter 10: Economic Change, Development and IslandsArguably the largest body of research on islands has been on the structure of their economies, economic change and development. This chapter looks at the economic fortunes of islands and islanders using several measures. The economies of some islands are almost entirely reliant on foreign aid and remittances while others, like off-shore financial centres, have sustained their economy based on their ability to negotiate relationships with other nations and organizations. Through a conceptual and empirical discussion, we examine the many mechanisms that islands have used to develop their economies. 10.1.
Measures of Economic Wellbeing on Islands10.2. Models of Island Economic Development10.2.1. Resource Exploitation10.2.2.
The MIRAB Model10.2.3. The PROFIT Model10.3. Offshore Financial Centres - A Case Study of Economic Development10.4. Islands as Centres of EntrepreneurshipChapter 11: Island TourismIf the economy is one of the most prominent topics in island studies, then tourism may well be one of the most popular themes surrounding island economies.
The stereotypical island as tropical paradise, framed by crystal blue waters, white sands and palm trees, may be one of the most well-known images projected by the travel industry. Islands in cold waters have also used tourism to shape their image and attract a.