Territorial Organization and the Space/Technology Nexus

Abstract

The definition of space and spatial organization as being produced, and structured, in and through the organization of social relationships, has been thoroughly developed over the past few years. In this contribution, it is argued that spatial organization should be conceptualized in a double form, i.e. as a social relationship and a force of production. In the literature, however, the latter conceptualization has been given little attention. The paper attempts to elucidate the theoretical formulation of 'territorial organization' as a force of production. In the first part of the paper, the notion of 'territorial organization' is defined. In a second part, the nature of 'territorial organization' as a force of production is further substantiated. Key notions, such as externalities, the monopolization of location, co-operation, and division of labour, provide the theoretical basis to elucidate the role of 'territorial organization' as a force of production. In a third part, the contradiction between the private appropriation of the powers embodied in territory, and the social character of 'territorial organization', is explored. The implication of this analysis for theorizing 'the production of space' is assessed. Finally, it is argued that space itself is structured and restructured through the dialectical interaction of forces and relations of production, and place (or geography) should be considered simultaneously as the arena in which this struggle unfolds, and as the stake of this struggle, that is the power to command (the powers of) place.