Through the twin themes of the environment and development, Brad Jokisch introduces students to the regions of Latin American and the Caribbean through a concise, comprehensive, and cohesive overview. Designed for courses in either geography or Latin American Studies, this text covers the physical geography, environmental hazards, and a concise history of the region, along with treatment of economic issues – including China's role – urbanization, population trends, and international migration. Regional chapters on Brazil, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, the Andes, and the Southern Cone ensure that students understand the distinct areas of Latin America as well as the region as a whole.
Key features include:
- Extensive maps, figures, and tables to help students visualize the material
- Chapter opening learning objectives and key terms lists to help organize important concepts
- End-of-chapter conclusions and summary points and a glossary to aid in studying
- Excellent treatment of current research from geography and across the social sciences to reinforce the state of the field
- A key case study chapter on Amazonian deforestation and development In-depth analysis of the commodity boom, the Pink Tide, the rise of China, certification programs, and the illicit drug trade
Preface
Chapter 1. A Theoretically Informed Regional Approach
Chapter 2. The Physical Geography and Hazards of Latin America and the Caribbean
Chapter 3. Indigenous Peoples and European Arrival
Chapter 4. Historical Foundations: From Colonial Latin America to the Early 20th Century
Chapter 5. The Economic Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean
Chapter 6. Latin America in Transition: From Population Boom to an Aging Population
Chapter 7. International Migration: Implications for Development
Chapter 8. The Urban Worlds of Latin America
Chapter 9. Development and Deforestation in the Amazon
Chapter 10. Mexico
Chapter 11. Central America and the Caribbean
Chapter 12. The Andes
Chapter 13. The Southern Cone
Chapter 14. Brazil
Bibliography
Glossary
About the Author
Index
Brad Jokisch is an associate professor of geography at Ohio University. His research is at the nexus of migration, environment, and development. His research has focused on Ecuador, migration, and environmental and development issues. He was chair of the Conference of Latin American Geography (CLAG) and Director of Latin American Studies at Ohio University.
"Brad Jokisch proves to be the ideal guide through the landscapes of Latin America and the social and ecological processes that shape them. With rich and specific examples of how places are shaped and re-shaped by flows of people, resources, and ideas, Dr. Jokisch offers an ideal introduction to the many and diverse worlds that comprise this fascinating region."
– Kendra McSweeney, The Ohio State University
"Brad Jokisch strikes the sweet spot between thematic depth and up-to-date regional synthesis of a vast and diverse region, and he does so in an engaging style that underscores the importance of society-environment interactions. This deeply insightful and engaging book reflects its author's personal passion for its topic, but also his zeal to introduce the many geographies of Latin America and the Caribbean to enquiring students. The book is destined to become a leader in the field."
– Karl Offen, Syracuse University
"The twin themes of environment and development provide a perfect window into contemporary challenges facing societies in the region, as shaped by geographic context, history, and various relationships to other regions. Students will gain insight into how geographic theory and scholarship can help societies understand and address these challenges."
– Claudia Radel, Utah State University
"Brad Jokisch covers a range of essential topics to help undergraduate students better understand Latin America's complexities and challenges. His engaging and accessible style describes important emerging dynamics, such as relations with China, the informal economy, illicit drugs, remittances, obesity, human trafficking, and the Venezuelan diaspora, in addition to synthesizing classic examples that remain deeply relevant. Dr. Jokisch sets a new standard for comprehensive Latin American geography texts."
– Christian Brannstrom, Texas A&M University