Spatialising antagonism: A post-foundational analysis of the spatial dynamics of violence in nineteenth century Derry

Abstract

This article offers a post-foundational analysis of the spatial dynamics of inter-communal violence in nineteenth-century Derry city. In doing so, the theoretical category of ‘antagonism’ is mobilised to develop a post-foundational view of the spatial, one that is well-placed to shed an innovative theoretical light on conflict in divided societies and contested spaces. It has recently been recognised that antagonism not only offers a route towards a truly post-foundational approach to the political, but also a consciously post-foundational spatial analysis. Spatialising antagonism at both a theoretical and empirical level helps to bring into further relief the imbrications of space, the political and various modes of violence. Specifically, thinking antagonism spatially in the context of contested spaces such as Derry, underlines the ways through which ontological or foundational violence can be concretised through spatial practices, thereby structuring and driving the spatial dynamics of violence.