City.State: Critique of scalar thought

Abstract

The scalar thought that undergirds our understanding of modern bodies politic (cities, regions, nations, states, leagues, federations) assumes exclusive, hierarchical and ahistorical relationships among and between these bodies and conceals their fluid, multiple and overlapping forms of existence. This essay offers some critical reflections on the historical origins of scalar thought and suggests that thinking about bodies politic and belonging in different ways is necessary to consider citizenship beyond the state.