Research Political Geography Quarterly

Political Geography

Explanation of Geopolitical Variables of Economic Power with Emphasis on Geographic Factors

Yashar Zaki; Rasool Afzali; Mohammad Reza Hafeznia; MohammadReza Faraji

Volume 7, Issue 2 , July 2022, , Pages 121-143

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2023.73059.1094

Abstract

Geographical space is a system composed of intertwined and interrelated natural, environmental and human factors and elements. These geographic factors sustain different values that adopt political, economic, cultural, security and geopolitical implications according to human needs and perceptions. The ... Read More

An Introduction to the Concept of Geopolitical Discourse of Peace

Mohsen Azizzadehtasouj; zahra Ahmady; Mohammad Reza Hafeznia; Seyyed Mohammad Kazem Sajad Pour

Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2022, , Pages 145-177

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2021.27294.0

Abstract

Geopolitics, throughout its history, has been associated with concepts such as war, competition and power; according to the traditional geopolitics, governments in the past were seeking territory; land management and gaining power. So the traditional geopolitics expressed the views of the powerful states ... Read More

Analysis of the components of geopolitical interests and the extent of its impact on foreign relations of countries

Esmeil Alamdar; mohammad reza hafeznia; zahra ahmadypour; Syrus Ahmadi Nohadani

Volume 6, Issue 3 , July 2021, , Pages 1-18

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2021.68297.1014

Abstract

Geopolitical knowledge, as a branch of political geography, deals with the interrelationship between geography and politics in the light of the power component. One of the basic concepts of this knowledge is the concept of geopolitical interests, which have a special place in geopolitics and international ... Read More

Explanation of the ontology of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government

Mahmood Mobarakshahi; Mohammad reza Hafeznia; Rebaz Ghorbaninejad; Ebrahim Rumina

Volume 6, Issue 2 , July 2021, , Pages 47-63

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2021.69374.1029

Abstract

The Explanaition of the Ontology Iraqi kurdestan Regional Government.AbstractMahmood Mobarakshahi. political Geography phD. Azad Islamic University Science and Research Branch. Tehran.Iran. m.mobarakshahi@gmail.comMohamad Reza Hafeznia. porfessor of political geography.Tarbiat Modares University. Tehran.Iran.hafezn_m@modares.ac.irRebaz ... Read More

The Role of Transit Position in National Power, Case Study: Iran

mohammad reza hafeznia; Syrus Ahmadi Nohadani; Mehdi Noori roustayi

Volume 6, Issue 2 , July 2021, , Pages 86-106

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2021.27339.0

Abstract

Transit is a factor in the exchange and enhancement of national power in terms of bus crossing and despite its potentials and geographical parameters, it is far from the desired situation in this regard. In this research, by compiling information and data through library and field data including transit ... Read More

Investigating and measuring the feeling of inter-ethnic closeness in multi-ethnic spaces. Case study: North Khorasan

Mohammad Hussein Popoli Yazdi; ali reza mansourian; Mohammad Reza Hafeznia; Ibrahim Roumina

Volume 5, Issue 3 , September 2020, , Pages 69-88

https://doi.org/Doi:org/10.22067/pg.v5i3.89044

Abstract

Review:Iran is a multi-ethnic society and in addition to cultural commonalities, each ethnic group has its own linguistic, local and cultural characteristics. Undoubtedly, the national unity and integrity of Iran is owed to the coexistence and peaceful historical relations of the tribes with each other, ... Read More

Theoretical Explanation of the Ontology of Regional Governments

Mahmood Mobarakshahi; mohammad reza hafeznia; Ribaz Ghorbani Nejad; Ebrahim Roomina

Volume 4, Issue 2 , September 2020, , Pages 155-176

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v4i2.85958

Abstract

Abstract The study of ethnic and claims of ethnicity is one of the topics of interest in the field of humanities studies. Meantime, political geography, as one of the dynamic disciplines in this field and because of its philosophical nature studies and surveys the political dimension of the space with ... Read More Abstract The study of ethnic and claims of ethnicity is one of the topics of interest in the field of humanities studies. Meantime, political geography, as one of the dynamic disciplines in this field and because of its philosophical nature studies and surveys the political dimension of the space with a systematic approach, examines the issue of spatial minorities and the distribution of ethnic areas. This article examines the ontology of the regional governments in terms of nature and necessity of forming such structures attempts to answer this fundamental question that what factors justify the nature and necessity of the formation of regional governments? In the field of political geography, "Hartshorne" and "Gottman", by discussing the reason of state's existence, have emphasized the role of divergent and convergent forces in formation and sustaining the state. In this article, discussing and criticizing these theories, we will attempt to survey the effective factors in the ontology or present a theoretical model of the necessity and argument of regional governments that nowadays have emerged in some countries under the federal and autonomous models. The ontology of regional governments is capable to be clarified and survey within the framework of national and independent governments. The nature of such spatial structures would not be possible and lose its status without the existence of a state and an independent national government. This article is fundamental in terms of purpose and it is conducted in the descriptive-analytical method. Due to the nature of the subject, library and documentary methods have been used for data collecting. The results show that factors such as the right to self-determination and regional autonomy, the division of power in different spatial dimensions, identity and spatial perception, the flourishing of regional capabilities, regional identity-seeking, regional and local crisis relief of national territory and space management, establishing understanding and trust among heterogeneous structures, and establishing regional equilibrium, justifies the necessity and the nature of regional state formation.

Criteria for determining constituencies

zahra ahmadypour; mohammad reza hafeznia; Javad Etaat; Ghasem Karami

Volume 5, Issue 2 , July 2020, , Pages 17-41

https://doi.org/Doi:org/10.22067/pg.v5i2.78375

Abstract

Strategies for Achieving Spatial/Geographic Justice in Iran

Mostafa Ghaderi Hajat; Mohammad Reza Hfeznia

Volume 3, Issue 3 , January 2019, , Pages 25-57

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v4i9.75411

Abstract

Extended Abstract 1 Introduction Generally, spatial injustice which can be a threat for national security and evolution of critical areas refers to an imbalanced distribution of society’s valuable properties such as political-executive power, wealth and opportunity resources. Spatial injustice is ... Read More Extended Abstract 1 Introduction Generally, spatial injustice which can be a threat for national security and evolution of critical areas refers to an imbalanced distribution of society’s valuable properties such as political-executive power, wealth and opportunity resources. Spatial injustice is the most important feature of Iran’s spatial organization which is seen in the center-periphery structure of the country from local to national scales. Due to the threats and current complicated conditions, an effort to achieve spatial justice is one of the main research priorities in political geography. A democratic approach to spatial justice provides equality for all residents of a geographic space to enjoy the resources, opportunities and infrastructures through their participation in the decision-making processes. Spatial justice is realized when power, wealth and opportunities are distributed proportionally with the potentialities of the micro- and macro-spaces and places. As a result, the interests empowering societies to meet their needs increase and the coefficient between the regions increases. Space and humans are the focal point of human geographical thought and of political geography.Equal access of all residents of a geographic space to the main factors like power, opportunity and wealth at micro- and macro-levels form the axis of spatial justice in political geography. Mohamadi, Rasoli and Dastineh (2016) 2 Method This research uses descriptive-analytic method based on a literature review and field findings to codify method to reach geographic and spatial justice in Iran. The literature review was used to determine the effective factors in spatial injustice in Iran. In the field findings, the facets and indices of spatial justice are categorized and standardized to measure the Iranian situation. The pillars of spatial injustice are characterized and categorized from the perspective of the statistical population based on the average score to codify methods of reaching geographic and spatial justice in Iran. 3 Results and Discussion The results of the research show that spatial justice in Iran is due to the operation of a wide range of factors as follows: - Natural geography and unequal distribution of biological foundation (Inherent characteristics); - Human geography and spatial structure of the nation; - The political system, policy making, and planning for national development (casual properties); - Regional and global geopolitical environment. The research results show that the most important foundation of spatial injustice in Iran are as follows: inequality in the distribution of power, wealth and opportunity resources, the weakness of budgeting system, the weakness of regional and local system management, spatial justice is not a general demand, Institutionalized centralization are the factors with high level of impact and unbalanced natural foundations, the theoretical weakness in the field of spatial justice studies, the weakness of regional and national information and accounting system as the factors with lower impact. 4 Conclusion In order to access spatial justice, the following strategies are proposed as a policy agenda: - Optimal spatial distribution of wealth flow as development prerequisite (management of money flow); - Allocation of special budget in provincial budgets for balanced development in order to achieve regional balance; - Strengthening the local potential of the regions in order to increase in efficiency to achieve balanced development; - Attention to the systemic thinking of spatial justice in local, regional and national levels; - Revision of the 27 principles of the constitution related to the concentration of affairs.

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Comparative Investigation of Political Management Indexes of National Space in Different Theories

Abolfazl Kavandi kateb; Mohammad Reza Hafeznia; Hatam Qaderi; Qolamhossein Qolamhosseinzadeh

Volume 2, Issue 4 , March 2018, , Pages 1-29

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v2i7.66351

Abstract

Extended Abstract Introduction The political management of space is the study of the methods of administration, control, observation and track in geographic space. The political administration of geographic space in different scales is intended to realize the goals from the strategic point of view, ... Read More Extended Abstract Introduction The political management of space is the study of the methods of administration, control, observation and track in geographic space. The political administration of geographic space in different scales is intended to realize the goals from the strategic point of view, considering the physical, demographic and economic limitations. The political management of the space has been focused in this paper at the national level. The state is the most important political organization representing the people with the broadest goals and duties, and it is responsible for the accurate performance of national policies. In fact, the state is formed to serve the people and administrate the space; it is responsible for supplying the needs of people. Thus, the high performance of the state in all sections is considered and has been focused in all political theories. The duties and principles of the political management of space at the national level have brought theoretical and practical achievements, and different theories are formed in this relation as such. The political management of space at the national level has both fixed and variable patterns. In the fixed pattern, the states' fundamental goals include independency, territorial integrity, the optimal political management of the state, foreign policy, national interests, the state and citizens identity; the increase in the national power; state security, the role of observation, the political management of space, the creation of state communicational network, organization, planning, development, the establishment of geographic and social justice, the optimal management of the environment, and the creation of public welfare that are common among different states. In the variable pattern, the political management of the space, dependent on the state political system, different patterns such as centralized, federal and etc. are effective in the state administration. Nine factors are effective in the political management of the space, including political system and decision making organs, dominant political thought and ideology, social, economic, administrative and cultural systems, geographic and geopolitical characteristics, and the international system. Regarding the above factors, different patterns of the political management of space are formed in different states within different periods. The research is intended to investigate and compare the indexes and duties of the political management of national space from the view point of different theories to propose a new model. Most of the humanities majors have focused on issues such as how to construct a state, manage it optimally, and survive it in a global anarchic situation. In spite of scientific developments and the propose of new definitions of indexes and common patterns to manage the state optimally and development of the state, there are different patterns of governing. But the states share the same interests in this relation. Although many of the goals are common among the states, some of them are prioritized by the states and are seen as vital goals, while some of them are neglected due to the state's situations. Methodology The research method is descriptive-analytic and the indexes and the functional duties of political system are framed in six main indexes. These indexes include vital, political, economic, cultural, social, and geographic goals. Each of these main indexes has some subsets; therefore, 41 indexes are proposed in a model called circular model. Although the states have different goals and duties, all of them can be placed and developed in this model. The indexes are extracted after considering and criticizing different theories of political management of the national and functional space of the state. Conclusion The circular model proposes the priorities, strategies, and goals of the political management of state. In the first circle, vital goals are placed, which are characterized considering the current and perpetual priorities and the needs of the society. Then, the circles from (a) to (∞) are depicted based on the priorities. To consider s systematic point of view regarding the priorities, being radial is another characteristic of the model which can cover all the priorities and goals of the state and society, because priorities would be different and cover all the facets. The goals and priorities located in inner circles are more important than others. Priorities of place can be changed due to the time and place requirements, and they are relocated from center to infinity or infinity to the center. The level of success for the state depends on realizing all the fundamental goals optimally. In fact, the success of each state shows its power and development.

Evaluation of Geopolitical Variables’ Impact on the Formation and Activity of Terrorist Groups (Case Study: Border Areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan)

Aliakbar Dabiri; Mohammad Reza Hafeznia; Sayyid Yahya Safavi; Mohammad Akhbari

Volume 2, Issue 3 , October 2017, , Pages 163-192

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v2i6.70658

Abstract

Extended Abstract 1. Introduction The issue of terrorism in the third millennium has become one of the central issues of the world changes and the interconnection between powers and countries. One of the areas that is heavily affected by terrorism and its implications is South Asia, particularly the ... Read More Extended Abstract 1. Introduction The issue of terrorism in the third millennium has become one of the central issues of the world changes and the interconnection between powers and countries. One of the areas that is heavily affected by terrorism and its implications is South Asia, particularly the two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the past few decades, these two countries have always been under the influence of terrorism, and, in some cases, even released and transferred terrorism to other areas of the world. One of the most important dimensions of terrorism in this area is the geopolitical dimension of this phenomenon and the impact of geopolitical variables on the formation and activity of terrorist groups. Variables and geopolitical phenomena that are shaped by interaction of geography and power are among the crucial extraterritorial, transnational, and effective factors in the formation and activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Certainly, the identification and analyses of these geopolitical variables will significantly help to understand the formation reasons and the activity of terrorist groups in these two countries. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify, evaluate and weigh the geopolitical variables that are effective in the formation and activity of terrorist groups in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan. 2. Theoretical Framework The temporal and spatial distribution of terrorist events on a global scale can have one of the following four patterns: random, heterogeneous, reinforcement and contagion. In fact, the attacks are either randomly distributed in space and time, or followed by the other three non-random patterns. The heterogeneous pattern implies that the experience of different countries about terrorism is disparate in space but is constant over time. Reinforcement also points out that terrorist incidents in a country will likely be intensified in the future in the same country. Contagion means that the occurrence of terrorist events in a country is likely to cause the occurrence of such events in the neighboring countries. It can be concluded that many countries experience a period of terrorist incidents that have not experienced before. Another point is that the contagion does not occur only through the geographical boundaries, but also in a non- contiguous manner. Non-contiguous contagion is a process that may involve collaboration of terrorist groups in such relationships as spying, training, budgeting, and supporting. Because of having the resources, facilities, and appropriate information, terrorist groups that are supported by governments are often able to carry out more deadly attacks than other terrorists. Therefore, the terrorist operations of tyrannical governments are more responsible than individual terrorism operations for the victims and miseries. Secret brutality of state terrorists will have a low cost for the supporting government, and if it is used properly and secretly against strong enemies, it can prevent international punishment or retaliation. From the geopolitical viewpoint, the world is in the midst of great chaos. On the one hand, multilateral regional unions have been developed (such as the European Union, NAFTA, Mercosur, APEC, etc.), and, on the other hand, a renaissance of nationalism, the emergence of fundamentalism, pro-independence movements and the autonomy of a minority are appeared. Most of conflicts are internal in that a part of the population opposes the central authority. Today, after the collapse of the bipolar system and the challenge of the US unipolar order by other rival powers, the world is in a long-term transitional period that has not yet reached a new and consistent order. Hence, there is a kind of disorder, mismanagement and lack of integrated control over global changes and the formation and activity of terrorist groups is one of its indicators. 3. Methodology This research is a descriptive-analytic study that intends to identify geopolitical variables that affect the formation and activity of terrorist groups. In terms of collecting information, a library method and a questionnaire were used. SPSS software was used to validate and weigh the variables. 4. Findings and Discussion By investigating library documents and field findings show that eight geopolitical variables including " locating among critical states and regions," " foreign supports from institutions which promote fundamentalism ", " long, penetrable and far from the center geographic borders "," geographic affinity among ethnic-religious groups in two sides of the borders "," geopolitical rivalry between powers ", " lack of regional or global hegemonic power ", "buffer situation ", " border and territorial conflicts with neighboring states" as well as 21 categories related to these variables are impact in formation and the activities of terrorist groups in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Also, descriptive and inferential statistics (T-test) indicate that the average score of all eight geopolitical variables is significantly higher than the standard mean (x=3). Therefore, the effectiveness of these geopolitical variables in the formation and activity of terrorist groups in the border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan is also confirmed by experts.

The Pattern of Political Management of the Space in the Prophet Muhammad Era

Mohammadreza Hafeznia; Fatemeh Janahmadi; Ahdiyeh Atashi

Volume 2, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 1-20

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v2i8.63614

Abstract

Extended Abstract Introduction A state is an administrative organization which is established based on the public will and consent in a special human group. Hence, a state with its all kinds is an administrative, political and military set whose special functions are realized in the frame of political ... Read More Extended Abstract Introduction A state is an administrative organization which is established based on the public will and consent in a special human group. Hence, a state with its all kinds is an administrative, political and military set whose special functions are realized in the frame of political management of the space. The state of Muhammad, Prophet in Medina, was the first Islamic state in the history of Islam. This state which was based on a monotheistic worldview and charismatic leadership of the Prophet transformed the classic structures of Arab Peninsula and framed a new form which has been the latter states’ main principle. In fact, the emergence of Islam and the establishment of an Islamic state by the Prophet in Medina put an end to tribal hegemony and started a new Islamic sovereignty which had not been experienced by the Arab Peninsula people. Fundamental evolutions in social actions and behaviors, changes in the forms of social classes, break of the norms of the ignorance era, the establishment of Quran-based social values, evolution from ignorance discourse to Islamic discourse resulted from the establishment of Islamic rules, and the establishment of a just Islamic state in Medina as well as toleration of the writers and creation of dialogue between the civilizations and neighboring powers are the main motivations of doing this study which intends to find out how the political management of the space in the era of Prophet Muhammad was and what the facets and indices of his management were; the facets which were famous among Islamic statesmen as political behaviors of Muhammad Prophet. Method This research is an interdisciplinary one done in the domains of history and political geography. Thus, historical references related to the issue are listed after the preliminary studies in the research background section. Using a historical method and analysis of proposed statements from the references, the research is intended to infer, explain, and generalize the data and answer the research questions. Results and Discussion In this research, we investigate the criteria for the political management of space in the era of the holly prophet of Islam. Assumptions of this investigation are aligned with the main question of the research in three components, namely, political facets of the space, defense and security facets, and foreign policy facets. Each issue has been analyzed and investigated using library and historical documents. Three facets of political management of the space in the era of the Prophet Muhammad and its principles are investigated as follows: Political facet of the space: In this section, different levels of political management of the space (local, regional and central) in the era of the Prophet, and the duties and responsibilities of each level are extracted and explained from historical references. Defense and security facet: In this facet, political and security strategies of the Prophet Muhammad are studied and expounded. Strategies like avoiding from prejudice in relation with internal opponents, establishment of peace treaties like Sahif al-Nabi treaty, treaty of lack of encroachment, Hodaibie peace treaty and brotherhood contract are all studied. Foreign policy facet: The main principles of foreign policy of the Prophet Muhammad are as follows: mixture of tolerance and decisiveness, the superiority of invitation over war, peace, development of peaceful relations and foreign relations, respecting other states’ rights, rejection of non-Muslims hegemony, and principle of diplomacy and negotiation. Conclusion Investigating the state pattern of the Prophet regarding three facets of political management of the space showed that in spite of being novel, his state was a preliminary and optimal kind of political management of the space. He could manage all of diverging forces in tribal organization and formed a united society called Ummah by the division of labor and social orientations. The political frontier of the Islamic sovereignty was recognized and a civilization structure called Medina al-Nabi, which was distinguished from Yasreb, was established. Rather, Prophet could provide security and multilateral defense by creating a united military force, and he could reach a balance of power with rivals and enemies by establishing diplomatic relations with great powers. He administrated the state with a unitary decentralized pattern; a type of political system based on which the united Arab Peninsula and consequently Ummah were established and a new mechanism was framed which was a pattern for latter governments and agents.

Epistemological Explanation of the Concept and Nature of Geopolitics

Mahmoud Vasegh; Seyyed Abbas Ahmadi; Mohammadreza Hafeznia; Seyyed Mohammad Isanedjad

Volume 2, Issue 2 , July 2017, , Pages 65-85

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v2i8.70362

Abstract

Extended abstract 1. Introduction Nowadays, the term geopolitics is widely used in various fields of study, and is used to analyze and explain political and geographical events at different levels. Unfortunately, despite the widespread use of this term, due to the dominance of the functionalist approach ... Read More Extended abstract 1. Introduction Nowadays, the term geopolitics is widely used in various fields of study, and is used to analyze and explain political and geographical events at different levels. Unfortunately, despite the widespread use of this term, due to the dominance of the functionalist approach in geopolitical studies, theoretical and conceptual dimension of geopolitics has been neglected and has not been considered so much by the experts. Therefore, some questions like what geopolitics is and what its notion is remain unanswered. The purpose of this article is to provide answers to the above questions through paying attention to the theoretical and epistemological dimensions of geopolitics, and due to the lack of theoretical research in this field, this article intends to provide a meaningful explanation of the nature and meaning of this term. 2 .Theoretical Framework When we talk about science, of course, we must be in the realm of philosophy. In other words, what is stated, if be meticulous and exploratory, needs to be in the realm of philosophy of science. From the perspective of the philosophy of science, the new science has two logico and empirico attributes. Indeed, two pillars of the new science are logic-rationality and observation-experience. The problem is the inception of science. Science in the solution of the problems grows through the creation of hypotheses. The absence of problems equals the lack of science. Every epistemic is knowledge of something, but epistemology is a cognition of self-knowledge. Epistemology is a cognition which, by deliberation of knowledge, discusses about the possibilities, types, ways, realms and the validity of it. The most important topic of epistemology is the discussion of the value and validity of knowledge and truth or falsity of propositions. The term geopolitics was first introduced in 1899 by Johan Rudolf Kjellén. Historically, since Aristotle, the influence of geographic factors on politics has been considered. In the medieval, thinkers such as Montesquieu and in the Islamic civilization, Ibn Khaldūn and others have discussed about this issue. In general, it can be told that geopolitics studies international relations and conflicts from a geographical perspective. 3 .Method This paper, because of its philosophical nature, is a fundamental-theoretical research, and in terms of purpose, it is a part of the problem-solving study (solving the philosophical - mental problems). According to its theoretical nature, the sources used in this paper are document and library resources. This paper has been developed within the framework of studies on the philosophy of science with a realistic approach and in the form of logical and epistemological descriptions and analyzes. The methodological accost to developing this research is critical rationalism. It is clear that this paper is written in the form of scientific-research articles. 4. Discussion Geopolitik (Swedish equivalent of Geopolitics) is a solid compound noun. Unlike most compound words in European languages, it was not a bygone word, and it is not much older. Johan Rudolf Kjellén invented the term in 1899 under the influence of Friedrich Ratzel's doctrines. This word consists of two sections Geo (γη or γαια) and Politik (πολιτικα). Both sections are original Greek words and come from Latin to new European languages. However, how is this word from an epistemological perspective? As mentioned, this term is compound in nature, and consists of two distinct parts of Geo and Polytic. These two sections are different in nature. The first section, Geo, is a concrete, general, and essential phenomenon, but the second section, Politik, is not an essential phenomenon, rather it is an abstract and a dummy phenomenon (i.e., made by humans). According to this argument, the ratio of knowledge and value dominates between these two sections, and they relate to the subject of concrete and abstract theorems. Thus, in such a framework, the relationship between these two sections can be explained in this compound word. 5. Conclusion But how we can analyzed geopolitics epistemological nature? The geopolitics concept is the product of three categories: Geographic Resources, At least two agents and the existence of a relationship of interaction, opposition, competition and domination between agents. All three cases are objective facts; however the concept of geopolitics is subjective and created in the mind. In the context of Geopolitics’ conceptualization from the epistemological point of view, it must be said that this concept is created in the mind and with the help of reason by making a comparison between the three realities of Geographic source, at least two actors and the relation of interaction, opposition, competition and domination among them. Naturally, these three objective facets are concrete phenomena and make the geopolitics’ conceptual structure a rational abstract phenomenon. The result of concrete and abstract combinations is nothing but an abstract combination. Due to the dual nature of the geopolitics’ components, (i.e., the concrete Geo and abstract politik), the combination of two parts of geopolitics itself will be an abstract phenomenon.

Geopolitics of Urban Landscape: The Relation between Politics and Power with Urban Symbolization

abdolvahab khojamli; Zahra Ahmadypour; Mohammadreza Hafeznia; Mohammadreza Pourjafar

Volume 1, Issue 3 , November 2016, , Pages 1-28

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.v3i3.55086

Abstract

Extended abstract 1. Introduction The current paper is intended to explain geopolitics of urban landscape, and also to present a theoretical model. The relation between politics and power and urban semiotics system in geographic spaces and in particular in urban spaces forms geopolitics of urban landscape. ... Read More Extended abstract 1. Introduction The current paper is intended to explain geopolitics of urban landscape, and also to present a theoretical model. The relation between politics and power and urban semiotics system in geographic spaces and in particular in urban spaces forms geopolitics of urban landscape. The paper presents new approaches to the scholars of urban geopolitics and urban political geography. 2. Theoretical Framework The paper is intended to present a theoretical framework to study geopolitics of landscape regarding the relation between politics and power and urban semiotic system and dominant political, social and economic discourses. When a landscape would be called a geopolitical urban landscape? What kind of processes and factors has geopolitics of urban landscape? What are the levels of formation of urban semiotic system and how they are affected by different factors? What are the general and political functions of urban semiotic system, and what kind of criteria forms them? What are the benefits and deficiencies of the symbols? And finally what is the impact of these relations on urban semiotic system and urban space discourses? 3. Methodology The research is basic in terms of its goal, and casual and descriptive- analytic in terms of method and nature. The data gathering procedure is based on the library findings. Data analysis and conclusion will be done using the qualitative research method. 4. Results & Discussion Landscape, similarly to language, can operate as a representational system – signs, places and icons can be read and interpreted as geosymbols or icons. Power over landscape is usually visualized in the most picturesque, stable, perceptible and spectacular ways. Ruling over landscape, both forms, function, and particularly meanings, becomes one of the priorities of power, especially of those, whose legitimacy is or can be somehow challenged. The need to show his or her rights, authority, control, as well as supermacy and prerogatives is tremendous and typically materialized in grand culttural landscape projects. Those project usually expound not only political and economic powers, but also, and often above any other, the cultueral dominance of new leaders and discourses. The messages coded in cultural landscape are typically very clearly readable for most of society, and are frequently enhanced by heavily marketed texts. The function of power and politics in urban semiotic system paves the way to expalin geopolitics of landscape. Policies of different groups in urban spaces are affected by their power. Their power in urban spaces is emanated from different urban semiotics systems that gained from local, national and supra-national levels and has political, social, economic and historical facets. Different groups haves different potentials to take the advanteges of the levels and facets regarding their ideologic background and the level of mitigation of their interests with the dominant ideology. Also, their freedom in using the symbols and change in urban semiotics systems depends on players of power and their respected institutions. Urban icons and symbols are a part of urban players tools to create discources in accordance with their interests. Urban players act in the frame of their discources and the stronger discources, the effective functions. Hisorical and ideologic background, institutions, social and cutural characteristics, groups’ interests and their discourses set the criteria to change in urban semiotic system and urban symbols; the changes that are realized in the froms of destructions or construction of symbols, omition or disclusion of symbols and relocation and change in their functions. All of the processes are done in order to improve the function of urban semiotic system and urban symbols or to reform their functions and alleviate abnormalities. 5. Conclusions & Suggestions Actions and reactions, factors and structures in urban spaces create an area of power relations such as cooperation, interaction, rivalry and disputation that the occupation of desired spaces to settle the respected icons or display the symbols of their discources are claimed in urban spaces that results in “the war of icons” between different players who have contradictory interests. This causes an area of power relations which is the result of mutual relation between urban semiotics systems and the political actors that forms geopolitics of landscape. So, geopolitics of landscape is a process that based on it the dominant discourse creates different landscapes to control and manage urban spaces in line with its political and geopolitical order, and competition to control urban spaces is subordinated to relation between power, politics and space. Geopolitics of landscape studies the process of image making by urban players, the management of urban relations, urban space bordering, the relation between the state and non-governmental institutions.

Volume 9 (2024)

Volume 8 (2023)

Volume 7 (2022)

Volume 6 (2021)

Volume 5 (2021)

Volume 4 (2019)

Volume 3 (2019)

Volume 2 (2017)

Volume 1 (2017)

Author = Mohammadreza Hafeznia

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