Imaginaries of Connectivity: The Creation of Novel Spaces of Governance

This edited collection explores how the creation of novel spaces of governance is connected to imaginaries of connectivity in time. It examines how connectivity has been imagined and practiced in different historical and geographical contexts, and how the political denomination of spaces reflects the situatedness of power. The case studies range from the 16th century to the present, from Spain to the Maritime Alps, to Germany, to the Mediterranean, to China, to East Asia, highlighting the diversity of the meaning and function of connectivity in the constitution of novel spaces of governance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The creation of novel spaces of governance is intricately linked to the imagination and practice of connectivity in time. While connectivity may seem pervasive in today's world, it has been conceived and implemented in diverse ways across different historical and geographical contexts, yielding varying political outcomes. Often, the emergence of new connections also gives rise to new spaces of governance. The political designation of spaces, whether maritime, continental, social, or virtual, reflects the situatedness of power. However, the process of crafting these new spaces also engenders specific imaginaries and technologies of connectivity that enable governance.

In the realm of international relations, traditional scholarship has primarily emphasized the roles of agency and structure in power relations. However, the affects, beliefs, attitudes, and practices that intervene in how groups of people connect in specific times have received relatively limited scholarly attention. This edited collection seeks to rectify this imbalance by exploring the multifaceted dimensions of connectivity in the constitution of novel spaces of governance.

The book encompasses a comprehensive range of detailed and original case studies, spanning from the 16th century to the present, and from various regions such as Spain, the Maritime Alps, Germany, the Mediterranean, China, and East Asia. The diverse historical and geographical diversity of the cases serves to highlight the profound diversity of the meanings and functions of connectivity in shaping new spaces of governance.

In the first chapter, the editors provide an insightful introduction to the topic, highlighting the significance of connectivity in the contemporary world and the need to examine its role in the constitution of novel spaces of governance. They argue that connectivity is not merely a physical phenomenon but a complex social and cultural construct that shapes the ways in which individuals, groups, and institutions interact and engage with each other. The chapter also introduces the key concepts and frameworks that will be used throughout the book to analyze the cases.

The following chapters delve into the specific case studies, each exploring the relationship between connectivity and the creation of novel spaces of governance. The authors examine how connectivity has been imagined, practiced, and contested in different historical and geographical contexts, and how it has influenced the formation of political institutions, social movements, and economic systems. The cases range from the early modern period, when maritime connectivity played a crucial role in shaping European empires, to the present day, where digital technologies and social media have transformed the ways in which people connect and communicate.

One of the key themes that emerge from the case studies is the role of imagination in the constitution of novel spaces of governance. The authors argue that connectivity is not merely a passive process of transmission but a creative and imaginative endeavor that involves the construction of new meanings, identities, and relationships. They explore how connectivity has been used to promote political agendas.

Another important theme is the relationship between connectivity and power. The authors argue that connectivity is not just a means of distributing power but also a source of power in itself. They examine how connectivity has been used to consolidate power, challenge existing hierarchies, and create new forms of political and economic authority. They also explore how connectivity has been used to resist and challenge power, particularly in the context of global movements for social and political change.

The book also examines the role of technology in the constitution of novel spaces of governance. The authors argue that technology is not just a tool for facilitating connectivity but also a catalyst for change. They explore how technology has been used to create new forms of governance, such as decentralized networks and peer-to-peer systems, and how it has been used to challenge existing power structures and promote greater democratic participation. They also examine the ethical and social implications of technology, particularly in the context of surveillance, privacy, and the distribution of power.

In conclusion, this edited collection offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of the relationship between connectivity and the creation of novel spaces of governance. The case studies presented in the book provide valuable insights into the diverse ways in which connectivity has been imagined, practiced, and contested in different historical and geographical contexts. The authors argue that connectivity is not just a physical phenomenon but a complex social and cultural construct that shapes the ways in which individuals, groups, and institutions interact and engage with each other. The book also highlights the importance of imagination, power, technology, and ethics in the constitution of novel spaces of governance and the need to address these issues in order to promote greater social and political change.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 233 x 160 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538174081