On the future of regional geography

Abstract

Abstract. This contribution discusses possible future prospects of regional geography. This is done against the background of current socio-spatial developments and of various theoretical and conceptional debates as they are taking place mainly in English- and French-speaking countries. By taking central elements of modern conceptions of science as a basis possible regional geographie research issues will be identified which promise to be both aeademieally stimulating and socially relevant. A key concern is to show that regional geography can be regarded a viable research task living up to the Standards of modern conceptions of science, thereby casting off the dated yet still lingering image that regional geography is mere description or – worse still – environmental determinism.