The dynamic history of government settlements at the edge

L. Huskey, A. Taylor

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    13 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    In this chapter we compare and contrast the important roles that governments, particularly at the federal level, have played in establishing, growing and providing the economic mainstay for settlements in the sparsely settled regions of developed countries. We discuss the evolution of the economies and populations, the changing functions and the important interplay between population and economy for these ‘primary cities’ in the north, with a focus on Anchorage in Alaska and in comparison to Alaskan regional Arctic settlements. In parts we also compare and contrast Anchorage to the three largest cities in the north of Australia – Cairns, Townsville and Darwin to provide international perspectives. At various points in their histories, each has attracted intensive government interventions for stimulating development, to secure their strategic military and nationalistic values and in response to impacts from major natural disasters. The comparison of Anchorage with smaller regional Arctic settlements helps demonstrate there are differing types of government settlements in northern parts of developed nations. The comparison of Anchorage to large government cities in northern Australia demonstrates the similarity in development pathways, issues, barriers and future challenges for policy makers.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSettlements at the Edge
    Subtitle of host publicationRemote Human Settlements in Developed Nations
    EditorsAndrew Taylor, Dean B Carson, Prescott C Ensign, Rasmus Ole Rasmussen, Lee Huskey, Gertrude Saxinger
    Place of PublicationCheltenham, UK
    PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
    Chapter2
    Pages25-48
    Number of pages24
    Edition1
    ISBN (Electronic)9781784711962
    ISBN (Print)9781784711955
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Publication series

    NameNew Horizons in Regional Science

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The dynamic history of government settlements at the edge'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this