In this episode from the New Books Network podcast, Gregg Mitman is interviewed on his book, Empire of Rubber: Firestone’s Scramble for Land and Power in Liberia.
Managing the Unknown offers essays that show that deficient knowledge is a far more pervasive challenge in resource history than conventional readings suggest. Furthermore, environmental ignorance does not inevitably shrink with the march of scientific progress. This volume combines insights from different continents as well as the seas in between and thus sketches outlines of an emerging global resource history.
Following the establishment of the Xapuri Rural Workers’ Union, Brazilian activist Chico Mendes becomes a symbol for peaceful resistance to social injustice and environmental destruction.
Increased international demand for rubber leads to destruction of forests in Amazon River basin.
Increased European demand for rubber leads to the destruction of forests in West and Central Africa.
