Rather than presenting the global South to students as a set of problems (rapid urbanisation, population growth, poverty etc), this textbook focuses on the diversity of life in the South, and looks at the role it plays in shaping and responding to current global change.

The text integrates 'traditional' concerns of development geographers (such as economic development and social inequality) with aspects of the global South usually given less attention (such as cultural identity and political conflict). Divided into four main sections: Representing the global South argues that images of the so called 'Third World' are powerful but also problematic; The South in a Global World then turns to the economic, political and cultural processes shaping the south at a global scale; Living in the South looks at the impact these have on peoples lives and identities; and the final section, Making a Difference?, looks at the possibilities and limitations of development. Throughout, the main arguments of the book are illustrated through case study material drawn from across the developing world.

The global South is not only introduced to students via contemporary debates in development, but also through current research in social, cultural and political geographies of developing areas. Students are supported throughout with clear examples, explanations of key terms, ideas and debates, and introductions to the wider literature in this field. Thought-provoking and accessible, it presents a fresh view of the global South that will challenge students' preconceptions and promote lively debate.