Planetary Hinterlands

Exploring the concept of hinterlands, Planetary Hinterlands offers a fresh perspective on colonial legacies and contemporary global challenges.

This open access book, Planetary Hinterlands, explores the concept of the hinterland as an essential framework for understanding contemporary global dynamics. It examines how the legacies of colonialism, the precarious nature of labor under late capitalist systems, and the impending threats of climate change shape our current reality. By redefining the hinterland, the authors provide insights into how these areas, traditionally linked to colonial ports or market towns, influence and are influenced by a variety of spaces, including urban, rural, and natural environments.

Planetary Hinterlands emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human and more-than-human interactions that occur in regions often overlooked due to capitalist exploitation and political neglect. By focusing on the lively processes and forms of care present in these spaces, the book challenges conventional categories and encourages a more nuanced understanding of how different environments are interconnected. This perspective reveals the complexities of social, ecological, and material relationships that define our world today.

Bringing together scholars from diverse fields within the humanities and social sciences, this book reconsiders the materialities, affectivities, and ecologies of hinterlands across various contexts. It highlights the significance of cultural imaginations in both the Global North and South, urging readers to rethink their perceptions of land, water, and the spaces we inhabit.