The experiences of acceleration and globalisation could also be responsible for the "disappearance" of space as a category. The fact that the world and its dimensions are shrinking and that everything is, in a sense, merging and disappearing into one another through a constant acceleration of events, has given rise to the misunderstanding that space has lost its meaning. Especially in globalisation research, therefore, the urgency of the new concept of space became apparent. With events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the vulnerability of physical space emerged as a kind of "master narrative". From then on, globalisation was no longer just the global networking of goods and knowledge but also revealed a more profoundly expanded field in which not only physical space plays a role. However, this requires the right scaling in the form of the right “altitude”, or rather the right spatial framework. Jürgen Osterhammel, one of the most influential global historians from Germany, puts it in a nutshell with his question: "How high "into the air" do you have to rise to gain which overview?" He describes this as undoubtedly one of the most important methodological questions that historians must also address. These questions were answered by the Spatial Turn, which was launched by several human geographers at the end of the twentieth century. This ensured that historical scholarship, too, became more concerned with space as an analytical tool of historiography – especially for understanding globalisation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the importance of the spatial dimension in history
2. Background of globalisation studies and traditional historical approaches
3. The Spatial Turn and its significance for cultural and historical phenomena
4. The contribution of the Spatial Turn to globalisation studies
5. Critiques of post-spatial-turn approaches and evaluation of new insights
6. Conclusion and summary of discussed points
Research Objectives and Key Themes
The primary objective of this work is to examine how and in what ways the "Spatial Turn" has contributed to the historiography of globalisation, specifically by evaluating how shifting perspectives on spatiality have influenced the analysis of historical, social, and political phenomena.
- The evolution of globalisation studies within historical science.
- The impact of the Spatial Turn on redefining historical space.
- Methodological challenges such as Eurocentrism and container logic.
- The role of non-state actors in the construction of global spaces.
- The future of interdisciplinary historical research and spatial awareness.
Excerpt from the Book
How and in what ways did the Spatial Turn contribute to the historiography of globalisation?
“History is set not only in time but also in space.” With these words, Karl Schlögel begins his introduction to his book in which he impressively attempts to sharpen the awareness of the spatial perception of the various worldly dimensions. In this context, historical events take place in specific places that serve as “settings”. For example, the names of cities can be symbolic of entire epochs or empires. The metaphors we use to talk about history cannot do without the use of space. Mostly, however, historiography records the course of temporal events in a chronicle. This temporal perspective is often unconsciously accepted as a kind of irrefutable law. As a result, the absence of the spatial dimension in historiography is not particularly noticeable.
The experiences of acceleration and globalisation could also be responsible for the “disappearance” of space as a category. The fact that the world and its dimensions are shrinking and that everything is, in a sense, merging and disappearing into one another through a constant acceleration of events, has given rise to the misunderstanding that space has lost its meaning. Especially in globalisation research, therefore, the urgency of the new concept of space became apparent. With events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the vulnerability of physical space emerged as a kind of “master narrative”. From then on, globalisation was no longer just the global networking of goods and knowledge but also revealed a more profoundly expanded field in which not only physical space plays a role.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the importance of the spatial dimension in history: This chapter introduces the core argument that history is inherently spatial, despite the historical tendency to prioritize temporal records over the role of physical and perceived settings.
2. Background of globalisation studies and traditional historical approaches: This section maps the transition from national-centric historical dogma to the emergence of transnational history and the growing discourse around globalisation in the 1990s.
3. The Spatial Turn and its significance for cultural and historical phenomena: This chapter defines the Spatial Turn as a shift away from "container logic" toward a relational understanding of space, heavily influenced by thinkers like Edward Soja and Henri Lefebvre.
4. The contribution of the Spatial Turn to globalisation studies: This section explores how Global History has operationalized the Spatial Turn to examine critical nodes and portals of globalisation, offering a way to surpass past methodological limitations.
5. Critiques of post-spatial-turn approaches and evaluation of new insights: This chapter addresses challenges such as the dilution of terminology, the resurgence of national populism, and the need for a more nuanced application of spatial theory.
6. Conclusion and summary of discussed points: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, affirming that the Spatial Turn provides an essential framework for understanding the interlocking, multi-layered processes of global interaction.
Keywords
Spatial Turn, Globalisation, Historiography, Global History, Thirdspace, Edward Soja, Karl Schlögel, Methodological Nationalism, Space, Transnationalism, Relational Space, Geography, Cultural Studies, Global Networks, Historical Research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic work?
The work investigates the integration of space as an analytical category within historical scholarship, specifically regarding the study of globalisation and how historical narratives can be enriched by spatial perspectives.
What are the central thematic fields covered?
The text covers global history, human geography, the history of globalisation, transnational studies, and the methodological evolution of historical research from the late 20th century to the present.
What is the primary research question being explored?
The central question is how and in what ways the Spatial Turn has contributed to the historiography of globalisation, and whether this "turn" successfully offers a more nuanced understanding of complex historical interactions.
Which scientific methods and approaches are highlighted?
The essay employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on human geography concepts like "Thirdspace," spatial scaling, and critiques of methodological nationalism to re-evaluate how space is conceptualized in history.
What topics dominate the main body of the text?
The main body focuses on the limitations of traditional history, the rise of the Spatial Turn, specific theoretical frameworks like those of Edward Soja, and the ongoing critiques regarding the definition and necessity of global history.
Which keywords best characterize the research?
Key terms include Spatial Turn, Globalisation, Historiography, Thirdspace, Relational Space, and Methodological Nationalism.
Who are the key historical figures referenced in the context of the Spatial Turn?
The work prominently discusses Karl Schlögel, Edward Soja, Henri Lefebvre, and Sebastian Conrad, highlighting their roles in bridging the gap between geography and historical inquiry.
How is the term "Spatial Turn" defined in this context?
It is defined as a rethinking of space that moves away from static, container-based definitions toward a dynamic, relational, and social construction of space that influences historical development.
Does the work suggest that the Spatial Turn is a perfect solution?
No, the text explicitly acknowledges critics who argue that the shift has resulted in diluted terminology and confusing definitions, suggesting that it is a useful tool rather than a universal cure-all for historical analysis.
What role does the "English language" play in the historiography of globalisation?
The author argues that the rise of global history has paradoxically led to an "Anglicisation" of the field, where English (or "Globish") has become the dominant, sometimes exclusionary, mode of academic communication.
- Quote paper
- Maximilian Scheller (Author), 2023, How and in what ways did the Spatial Turn contribute to the historiography of globalisation?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1372286
