RC-15 is the Research Committee on Political and Cultural Geography of the International Political Science Association

CO-CHAIRS: María Lois & Ryan Weichelt

BACKGROUND: recognised as a study group in 1976; granted research committee status in 1978. 

OBJECTIVES: the study of the political organization of geographical space. The structuring of space is studied under two perspectives: territories and networks. The influence of cultural factors also will receive attention. The ideas of Jean Gottmann as guiding principles for political-geographical analysis will be considered. Among specific themes of research interest are: European and other world-regional iconographies, diasporas, democracy and stability, boundary maintenance and transborder cooperation, urban politics and city networks, and challenges to the Westphalian spatial model from above and below. Studies in electoral geography, on varying scales, as well as those in historical geography and demography that relate to the political organization of space also are encouraged. The role of political and cultural “distance” and other geographical factors in international relations, along with classic issues relating to the geography of war and peace, are encompassed as well.