The Contemporary Caribbean

This comprehensive text offers a vital exploration of the Caribbean's current economic, social, and political landscapes, grounding its analysis in the region's deep historical roots. The book is systematically structured into three core sections, first examining the foundational legacies of slavery and the plantation system, then analyzing present-day rural and urban realities, and finally investigating the region's position within global restructuring. It uniquely connects historical forces like the plantocracy to the persistent social and environmental challenges shaping modern Caribbean life, providing a cohesive narrative from past to present.

Potter’s work stands out for its integrated geographical and socio-economic approach, making it an indispensable resource for students and readers seeking to move beyond simplistic tourist perceptions. By meticulously linking historical exploitation to contemporary issues, the book provides the necessary context to understand the region's complex identity and its ongoing negotiations with global economic forces. This is essential reading for anyone committed to a nuanced, scholarly understanding of the Caribbean's dynamic place in the modern world.