The social and economic systems of any country are influenced by a range of factors. As the global population grows in developing nations, it has become essential to examine the effects of urbanization. Urbanization and Its Impact on Socio-Economic Growth in Developing Regions is a pivotal reference source for the latest research findings on the role of urban growth on the socio-economic infrastructures in developing regions. Featuring extensive coverage on relevant areas such as job creation, sustainability, and transportation planning, this publication is an ideal resource for city development planners, decision-makers, researchers, academics, and students interested in emerging perspectives on socio-economic development.

This title was first published in 2002. One of the greatest concerns facing the world is how to ensure that sustainable outcomes are generated as globalization proceeds apace. Quite simply, many people are finding their life chances deteriorating - with resistance to globalization being a common response. The question is: is it possible to guarantee sustainable livelihoods for individuals, families and communities as global processes increasingly shape local social relations? This volume is a collection of 16 chapters from leading rural sociologists and human geographers based in Europe, Australasia, and the Americas. The book, in three parts, deals with globalization and food; the restructuring of local agriculture; and communities and resistance in a globalizing world. The introduction to the book compares and contrasts the various experiences of communities in countries such as Australia, Brazil, Finland, Norway, South Africa and the United States as they "struggle" to cope with globalization and its effects. Each chapter discusses options to ameliorate the local consequences of global change.

Comparative Regional Systems: West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Developing Countries is a comparative study of regional systems, namely, West and East Europe, North America, the Middle East, and developing countries. This book examines the patterned and unpatterned forms of international activity through which states relate to the most important entities in world politics: their neighbors. The cooperative and conflictual behavior in international politics occurring within regional contexts is discussed, with emphasis on the sources and forms of this behavior as well as the issues that contribute to it and those that it creates. This monograph is comprised of 15 chapters and opens with an analysis of clusters of variables that form linked patterns within each international region, paying particular attention to the developmental issues that appear to be posed in the various regions of world politics. The following chapters focus on social-psychological factors in regional politics; regional patterns of economic cooperation; political change in regional systems; patterns of transregional relations; and interactions between regional organizations in various parts of the world and the global system that may affect either the operation of the latter or influence actions and functions of the former. The final chapter examines the problems and pitfalls of regional integration theories, along with their inability to "scientifically" predict the pathways of regional development. This text is designed to assist students, professionals, and the general public interested in international relations.

Australians have become increasingly visible outside of the country as speakers and actors in radio and television, their media moguls have frequently bought up foreign companies, and people around the world have been able to enjoy such Australian productions as The Flying Doctors, Neighbours, and Kath and Kim. The origins, early development, and later adaptations of radio and television show how Australia has gone from being a minor and rather parochial player to being a significant part of the international scene. The A to Z of Australian Radio and Television provides essential facts and information concerning the Australian radio and television industry. This is accomplished through the use of a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on directors, producers, writers, actors, television and radio series, and television and radio stations.

Reviewing the limitations of various planning options, this book addresses the debate on how to preserve open space in the context of a growing metropolis. The importance of open spaces for well-being in urban life is well-established. With case studies on internalization and valuation methods, this book critically examines the liberal discourse that urges the transfer of responsibility for open space from government to the market. European and American expert authors confront political rhetoric with grounded analysis and conclude that the market needs to be combined with governmental efforts. They scrutinize the connection between open space and the planning institutions designed to implement its policy. The book provides practical pieces of insight in how to structure an open space problem, information on what to expect from instruments, and new ideas on alternative approaches.