Land, Conflict, and Justice
A Political Theory of Territory

This book argues that territorial conflicts are affected by the ways in which people interact with land, rather than just historical issues.

Avery Kolers (Author)

9780521516778, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 February 2009

254 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.54 kg

'There is no doubt … that [Kolers] has opened up a new and interesting avenue through which to explore the pressing subject of territorial rights. Most importantly, [he] well and truly puts territory on the map for contemporary political philosophers, and his book should be read by all those who wish to gain a greater understanding of a critical area of study.' Ethics

Territorial disputes have defined modern politics, but political theorists and philosophers have said little about how to resolve such disputes fairly. Is it even possible to do so? If historical attachments or divine promises are decisive, it may not be. More significant than these largely subjective claims are the ways in which people interact with land over time. Building from this insight, Avery Kolers evaluates existing political theories and develops an attractive alternative. He presents a novel link between political legitimacy and environmental stewardship, and applies these ideas in an extended and balanced discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute. The result is the first systematic normative theory of territory, and an impressive example of applied philosophy. In addition to political theorists and philosophers, scholars and students of sociology, international relations, and human geography will find this book rewarding, as will anyone with wider interests in territory and justice.

Introduction
1. Everything you always wanted to know about taking other people's land (but were afraid to ask)
2. Land and territory in political theory
3. Groundwork
4. Plenitude
5. Territorial disputes
6. Implementation.

Subject Areas: Human geography [RGC], Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]