The use of natural resources in the Scottish Highlands, with particular reference to the Island of Mull

The thesis examines the use of natural resources in a case study area of the West Highlands, the Island of Mull. A review of history and description of present conditions leads on to an exploration of the island's future prospects and subsequently to a discussion of the island's problems in the more general context of remote Highland communities. Mull has been the subject of extensive previous survey, a review of which forms a foundation to the main part of the work, the exploration of some possible future patterns of resource-use. Three specific scenarios of the period 1980-2030 AD allow assessments of carrying capacity for a human community. In each case, a maximum feasible solution is described for the supply of food and shelter, and to a lesser extent of energy and material goods (in other words, the support of an economy) within the constraints set by the scenario. The first scenario explores a future in which Mull's present connections with the outside world are severed, enforcing self-sufficiency. In this case, the land and energy resources available on the island could support about 8000 people at a subsistence level. The second scenario envisages increasingly detailed resource planning at a national level. Mull's population is barely maintained, or declines to just below 2000, while raw material output, particularly of timber, and tourism potential is increased significantly. The third scenario anticipates a change of direction for remote communities, with a technologically sophisticated but self-reliant population. This community has considerable autonomy, and is able to provide food and energy for a population of about 10 000. While these anticipations are exploratory and in no way predictive, they all envisage a large increase in output accompanied in two cases by increases in population, a contrast with the present situation of 2500 population, declining agriculture, constrained forestry and significant dependence on tourism. In the final chapters, the barriers to resource development are discussed and the concept of 'appropriateness', coupled to analysis of the functional roles of natural resources and technology, is put forward. In the final analysis, there are clearly considerable current pressures in the direction explored in the second scenario. Whether this is desirable is questioned. It is recognised that attempts to direct development cannot succeed if they impose externally determined priorities and values, but may do so if they encourage and enhance community self-confidence

The unipolar world : an unbalanced future/ Mowle

xii, p. 215: ill.; 21 c

'Working with Allies: The United States, the United Kingdom, and the War on Terror'

This article considers the special case of the United States' relationship with Great Britain—America's closest ally—in the context of the post-9/11 debate over unilateralism and multilateralism. It explains the development of unilateral preferences in the post-Cold War order and, latterly, in the foreign policies of the George W. Bush Administration. The Bush Administration's outlook is seen as much more complex than many commentators assume, notwithstanding its acceptance of the logic of unilateralism and "coalitions of the willing" in pursuing the "War on Terror." The putative "specialness" of the U.S.–U.K. relationship is examined through a skeptical eye, from both the U.S. and British perspectives. Its contemporary manifestation is placed to a considerable degree by the personal leadership style and convictions of Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain. In the final part of the article, the U.S.–U.K. alliance is assessed in light of the broader debate about America's need for allies in the new international order and its capacity to "work with allies" effectively