States of Change: Stories across Borders

By David Kempster

A young Saudi woman learning to drive and test her boundaries....

A Botswanan river fisherman facing choices from profound economic change....

A Haitian family divided by natural and man-made disaster....

Our lives are governed by the luck of geography and framed by our borders, the lines that define our nation states. At their edges, they expose the contrasts, the co-operation and the challenge of change between countries.

Focusing on eight key themes, States of Change takes us on a global journey to discover human stories from both lesser known and familiar borderlands. From environmental impact and human rights to economic growth, colonial legacy and ethnic friction, open borders and the impact of migration and nationalism in a fast changing world.

In his first book, professional geographer David Kempster explores how borders set our cultural frame, our sense of place and security, but can be used to restrict and contain or be rendered invisible or porous. How do these often arbitrary lines affect our freedoms and what are the current and future issues that could impact communities around the world?

With 19 hand-drawn map illustrations, the book will appeal to anyone with a love of geography, maps and travel, but also those concerned about the impact of global geopolitics and the role our borders play. It seeks to shine a light on lesser known corners of the world where human experience is played out at the margins, in the context of profound change.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 191926714X
• ISBN13: 9781919267142
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Make My Imprint
• Length: 440 Pages
• Weight: 1.29 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"