Peter Perry

The origins and development of a new world vignoble: Marlborough, New Zealand, 1970–90

Abstract The spectacular growth of the Marlborough (New Zealand) vignoble since Us establishment in 1973 is examined in terms not only of environmental conditions but of the particular and often personal circumstances involved in decisions to establish vineyards and wineries. The structural diversity of the industry is considered, from small independent producers to nationwide companies with international connections, together with the course of events and the regions limited involvement in and rapid re‐expansion since the ‘vine pull’ schemes of the 1980s.

Military rule in Burma: A geographical analysis

The changing characteristics of the régime which took power in Burma in 1962 are analysed from the point of view of the political geographer. The régime was, from the start, authoritarian and centralist, placing little weight on Burmas ethnic diversity. By Asian standards Burma was a rich country in 1962: by 1987 the régimes policies with their emphasis on isolation and more particularly socialism, the latter implemented bureaucratically and incompetently, had reduced Burma to least developed country (LDC) status. The military remain in power despite a loss of support in their traditional urban strongholds in response to economic decline; but the collapse of some insurgencies, an opening up of the countrys resources to foreign exploitation, improved infrastructures in these areas, better military equipment, and improved relations with several neighbouring countries have cumulatively enabled the régime to strengthen its position and extend its control in many as of ethnic insurgence. Many external powers have become increasingly critical and hostile, notably the USA, which was until 1988 very cooperative in the context of aid for the elimination of the opium trade, an aid abused for military ends by the régime, and more recently neighbouring states. The strength of the present government has a quite different geographical basis and outcome from that of its forebear of thirty years ago. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A8806001 00002