ISSN:
1467-9248
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Political Science
Notes:
A focus on ‘modern’ industrialized societies obscures both the great antiquity of the state and the powerful selective pressures that have led to the dominance of interstate competition, especially warfare. In pursuit of power, elites encouraged population growth and intensified the exploitation of the natural resource base, with progressively more severe ecological impacts. Modern technology has vastly amplified the problem. Though it makes possible sophisticated environmental management, that has been neglected for the demands of the military—industrial system. These ill-effects are reinforced by ignorance of ecology and inadequacy of traditional political thought. A major adaptive challenge faces modern states: to use their knowledge and resources for more humane, environmentally sensitive management and perhaps achieve a novel kind of steady state, or to renew emphasis on short-term competitive considerations.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9248.1989.tb00263.x
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