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Title: The geography of defence

Book ·
OSTI ID:6301623

Defense against military attack by an enemy has had a considerable impact on geography throughout the world. In medieval Europe, for example, extensive fortifications frequently shaped cities and the need for defense often affected a city's location; whilst in more recent times whole towns were brought into being solely to serve the defensive requirements of a nation, Aldershot and Chatham being two good examples of this in Britain. At the present time defense spending and the awarding of defense related contracts are major tools at the disposal of governments for supporting and stimulating local economies: whilst for some states investment from overseas in defense is vitally important for the whole economy. Another important issue at the present time is conflict of land use between defense requirements and growing recreational and commercial demands. Yet, despite its importance defense as a major government function has not been the focus of geographical analysis in the same way as housing, transport, health services or education. This book is an attempt to redress this imbalance by demonstrating the extent and the geographical importance of defense.

OSTI ID:
6301623
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English