The territorial trap: the geographical assumptions of international relations theory (original) (raw)

This paper explores the geographical assumptions underpinning mainstream international relations theory, specifically the enduring notion of the territorial state as a fixed entity. It argues that these assumptions are increasingly problematic amidst evolving global dynamics, such as population mobility and economic interdependence, which challenge the idea of states as stable containers of society. By examining the implications of this territorial trap, the paper advocates for a historical-geographical consciousness to better understand the changing role and meaning of the state in contemporary international relations.