<p>The extraction of oil and gas from offshore continental shelves<br>represents one of the most dynamic sectors of global petroleum<br>development. It is also one of the most complex. Atlantic Canada is no<br>exception and the history of Scotian Basin petroleum over the past half<br>century reveals a fascinating series of political challenges,<br>accommodations, and settlements.</p><br><br><p>Peter Clancy's comprehensive analysis of petroleum politics in<br>Nova Scotia demonstrates the complex intergovernmental and<br>intercorporate relationships, ecological concerns, and Aboriginal<br>interests that have complicated offshore development. Drawing on<br>primary documents, archival sources, and informant interviews, he<br>addresses themes of institutional adaptation and rigidity, "basin<br>development" as a policy challenge, the strong and weak<br>characteristics of the offshore state, and the shifting shapes of the<br>offshore polity. </p><br><br><p>This informative study of petroleum politics in the Scotian Basin<br>reveals the complex interplay of regulation and risk as industry,<br>federal, and provincial authorities strive to develop Canada's<br>Atlantic offshore oil and gas resources.</p><br><p><br><b>Peter Clancy</b> is a professor of political science at<br>St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.