Workshop
Ervin Sezgin, Research Assistant
Istanbul Technical University
Department of Urban and Regional Planning
The socio- political conjecture of states and societies has always found its reflection in the trajectory of border regions. In the aftermath of World War 1 they were subject of cartography with the main objective of finding the most appropriate ways for drawing the border lines, as new states were emerging. During the cold war they were the outskirts of nation states, remaining almost forgotten except military investments and have lost their contacts with neighbours while polarization was increasing between two global powers. And in the times of globalization they are declared to be bridges between societies and countries as the flows of people, commodities, capital and information increases.
The aim of the course is to follow that trajectory of border regions with a political geography perspective. An analysis of social institutions, political organizations and individual narratives will be used with that purpose.
After a relatively short discussion of historical perspectives, particular importance will be given to the impacts of globalization on border regions. Theoretical discussions will be supported by case studies from different parts of the world.