Where in the (capitalist) world (economy) are regional narratives?

Abstract

General support is given for the call by Alexander Murphy for a study of regions to enable geographers to engage in public debates. However, Murphy’s emphasis upon narrative is challenged and an argument is made for a theoretical framework within which to situate analysis of regions. Moreover, the “meso” scale of the region demands consideration of a larger, or “macro,” scale. World-systems theory is advanced as a framework that defines the global scale as the capitalist world-economy in a way that situates regions and gives meaning to their form and interaction. The empirical approach offered by world-systems theory enhances Murphy’s call for regional narratives and enables geographers to engage in public debates.