This special section seeks to identify what it is that makes islands special as well as to critique the limitations of generalised conceptions of islandness. In recent years, the field of island studies has drawn on critical trends in geography, being particularly influenced by the “relational turn,” the “decolonial turn,” and theories of the Anthropocene. The papers in this special section focus on the themes of vulnerability and resilience, indigeneity, spatial transformation, democracy and governance, urbanisation and transport, enclavisation and eco-cultural tourism, mobility and connective infrastructures, and Anthropocene relationality to explore new horizons in island geography research.

Abstract

The field of island studies has been increasingly influenced by trends in geography, particularly regarding the “relational turn,” the “decolonial turn,” and theories of the Anthropocene. It is vital that researchers take a critical approach to generalisations regarding islandness and that they seek to clarify shared characteristics as well as differences of island geographies.