Dynamics of globalization: mobility, space and regulation

Abstract

Dynamics of globalization: mobility, space and regulation Recent research at the Institute of Geography in Neuchâtel emphasises the pivotal status of mobility in the dynamics of globalization. Drawing on work in mobilitystudies, the article presents a basic analytical framework suitable for studying the «mobile constitution of society». It argues more specifically that the relationship between mobility, space and regulation offers a worthwhile analytical focus for exploring current issues of globalization from the viewpoint of mobility. The article presents current research at the Institute that explores this interrelation, focusing on three main fields: «human migration», «urban change» and «power, space and mobility in the information age». It argues that globalization can be seen as a process of constitution of society through mobility, and as such a field of tensions: between fluidity and turbulence, standardisation and diversity, power and resistance. © Author(s) 2012. This work is distributed.