Political geography is the study of how spatial structures - like states, borders, and electoral districts - and geography shape and are shaped by political power. In short, what on a map may appear to be fixed can, and often is, contested by individuals, communities, regions and nations.
At the global level this is exemplified today by tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan, and present wars in Ukraine and Israel-Palestine. Likewise, conflicts long ended in remote places like the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic or Northern Ireland equally show that decisions made even generations ago on boundaries are never truly settled and can ignite with tragic consequences. Meanwhile, at a more local level we can see neighbourhoods’ fracture over very real political disputes on electoral boundaries, housing zoning, and safe injection sites. So, no matter where one lives the intersection of geography, politics, and history is never far.
This course will therefore ground students in the historical ideas behind contemporary political geography and the critiques made against said ideas. Subsequent lectures focus on major themes in the field, including geopolitics, nationalism, the concept of the state, humanitarian intervention, and urban political geography. One week will also be dedicated to analyzing the political geography of Prince Edward Island. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for upper year courses across the sub-fields of Canadian Politics and Public Policy, Comparative Politics and International Relations.
Lecture Tuesday, Thursday 11:30AM - 12:45PM, Memorial Hall, Room 308
