Overcoming the Material/Social Divide: Conflict Studies from the Perspective of Spatial Theory

Abstract

In conflict studies it has become a trend to link space and conflict theoretically as well as empirically (see e.g. Raleigh et al. 2010; Stephenne et al. 2009; Wucherpfennig et al. 2011). So far, however, few substantial arguments have been made that consider how the relationship between space and conflict can enhance our understanding of conflicts. One challenge is that the landscape of theoretical narratives and empirical studies is rather fragmented along the line of different disciplines. Social geographers, political scientists, conflict researchers and development scholars alike suggest that we broaden our understanding of space in order to reflect on the conditions, dynamics and effects of conflict more precisely, without much engagement between these disciplines. One central question discussed in these different bodies of literature is whether space is an external, material condition that influences human action, or whether a different understanding of space is required.