Space and Environment
- P-ISSN1225-6706
- E-ISSN2733-4295
- KCI
ISSN : 1225-6706
Vol.25 No.4
Abstract
Neil Smith’s theory of uneven development, proposed at first in his early masterpiece,Uneven Development, has been developed and extended to his theory of gentrificationon the urban scale and his consideration on ‘American empire’ and neoliberalglobalization on the global scale. In Uneven Development, he suggested with highlyoriginative and in-depth insight concepts of production of nature and of space, tendencytowards differentiation and equalization, production of geographical scale andsee-saw movement and others in detail in order to formulate his theory of unevendevelopment. Although it is only recently that those concepts have attracted manygeographers’ attention, Smith tried already before three decades ago to theorizethem. And hence the text is now recognized as a classics in human geography. His theory of urban gentrification and concept of ‘rent-gap’ which grasp theoreticallyand empirically the sea-saw movement of capital between inner city and suburbscan be seen as an application and further elaboration of his theory of unevendevelopment on the urban scale. His two books, American Empire which describeshow the geography of Bowman contributed to American imperialism, and TheEndgame fo Globalization which explains how the process of neoliberalism has beendeveloped since the 1990s until recently, can be seen as his great endeavours toexplore uneven development on the global scale at the heart of which lies a geographicalproject of capital. Even though it cannot be said that there is no flawin Smith’s theory of uneven development and a series of his research, these wouldbe recognized as his great theoretical and practical project to formulate geographyof capitalism and its alternative which integrate geography with Marxism.
Abstract
This paper examines Neil Smith’s theory via three keywords—geopolitical economy,empire, and neoliberalism. First, to comprehend the complex changes in thecontemporary world, Smith notes various couplings between geopolitics and geo-economicsand makes a meaningful contribution to the theorization of geopoliticaleconomy. Second, through historical-geographical analysis of the evolution of theU.S. Empire, he provides a critical insight into historical continuity and discontinuityof the U.S. Empire and critically discusses how the production of geographical knowledgehas served the Empire. Finally, Smith’s critical analysis of neoliberalism andglobal economic crisis offers an important perspective on prospects for anti-neoliberalpractices as well as neoliberalism as class project. Smith’s insights are particularlyvaluable to us who are facing the hegemonic shifts on the peninsula.
Abstract
This paper tries to interpret the process of ‘Cheongyecheon Restroration Project’in critical manner using the concept of ‘production of nature’ of Neil Smith. Through the process of producing the Cheongyecheon creek by various actors andsocial networks, environmental problem has been de-politicized as technological, economic,and administrative task. This paper interprets the strategies of spatial fixand governance fix of pursuing groups and lack of effective strategy from resistancegroup contributed to the de-politicization of the environment. Finally, this papersuggests we need democratizing production of nature. For this, planning of criticalinvolvement into the process of production of nature and strategical considerationof democratic engagement into the governance is highly recommended.
Abstract
Mekong River in mainland Southeast Asia is one of the great international riversand for basin development should be based on close cooperation among six basincountries. In the Mekong region, regional development has been pursued in earnestafter economic transition of previous socialist countries in mid-1990. The principalscheme for change was presented as the Greater Mekong Sub-region(GMS) programinitiated by ADB and the program has been aiming to produce “an imagined singlenatural-economic community” covering whole Indochina Peninsula and southwesternparts of China. In this process, The Mekong River has been transformed into thesignifier of integration for mutual prosperity from the frontline of the Cold Warconflict. However, various social conflicts has emerged as development projects proceedsand, especially, hydropower development in the Mekong mainstream and itstributaries is one of the most controversial topics. By focusing on the origin and trajectories of hydro-developmental path, this studyaims to expand the horizons Mekong research in Korea historically andgeographically. Specifically, this study examines national and regional hydropowerdevelopment plans, unplaned implementations, and those outcomes and effects inthe Mekong River Region. Then, I reveal that a starting point for regional integrationin mainland Southeast Asia as a single distinctive unit is the constructingMekong Energyscape based on intensive hydropower developments in a basin-widescale. This study will provide an in-depth understanding on the current conflictover the use and management of the Mekong River by identifying contradictoryinteractions on the hydropower development path in the Mekong region.
Abstract
The Mekong River Basin is divided into two distinguished hydro-politics, fourLower Mekong Basin States ― Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and twoUpper Mekong Basin States ― China and Myanmar. This basin is in the midst ofa regional debate over development cooperation versus ecological preservation. Thelower Mekong states, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have a long historyof cooperation. The Mekong regime has evolved over three distinct periods, eachwith its own constitutional framework: the Mekong Committee era(1957∼1975),the Interim Mekong Committee era(1976∼1995), and the Mekong RiverCommission era(1995∼present). In 1995, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnamconcluded the ‘Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development ofthe Mekong River Basin’ and formed the Mekong River Commission, which hasbeen lauded as the most progressive institution of river and a model for the world. However, there are many aspects of the Mekong Regime that should be strengthenedin order to secure environmental, economic and social benefits. Improved regionalcoordination of sustainable water management among Mekong countries and stakeholdersis crucial to foster equitable development and economic cooperation andensure the peaceful coexistence of Mekong communities in the long term. This articlesuggests the following four assignments for sustainable development in the MekongRiver Basin: (a) the amendment of the ‘Agreement on the Cooperation for theSustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin(1995)’, (b) the reinforcementof power and function of ‘Mekong River Commission(MRC)’, (c) the arrangementof legal system and improvement of its effectiveness under each basin’s country.
Abstract
This study examines the ideals and reality of GMS connectivity that the AsianDevelopment Bank has developed since 1992 with a focus on road transportation. Road connectivity has so massively advanced that it has now become possible totravel across GMS by car. Although it is an outstanding outcome in the age ofglobalization, the study critically evaluates the current state of connectivity by bringinghistoricity, agency and locality into discussion. It reveals that the current connectivitymust be understood as part of historical development of connectivity thatbegan in ancient times and was greatly promoted during the colonial period. Thestudy highlights corridors as a key strategic framework whereby the ADB attemptsto transform the GMS into a single-unit market. In particular the study pays attentionto the North-South Corridor that is expected to be a symbolic and influentialpath for China to advance into Southeast Asia with the completion of the FourthThai-Lao Friendship Bridge in December 2013. The study unveils the reality ofroad connectivity: first, maritime transport is still a dominant mode for intra-GMStrade; second, mountainous terrains restrict road connectivity; third, the buildingof the bridge has brought about the decline of river transport and also internaldivision in local society; and fourth, river connectivity, despite its symbolic importance,has been hindered by natural obstacles.
Abstract
This paper aims to figure out Asian Urban Modernity and its reflection on theliving space like city with reference to the Korean experience of compressedurbanization. In so doing, it intends to contemplate on a new modern urban subjectsituated in the time space expansion of Asia’s identity. It begins with overviewof several conceptual issues like the ‘generic and specific’ types of modernity, reflexityof modernity, environment and space as a material expression of modernityand then moves on examining Asian modernity which is typified as ‘hybrid’ vs. ‘interpretive’. Korea city’s modernity and its spatial representation are subject toclose examination as a way of revealing the above conceptual issues. The paper concludeswith drawing attention to the shaping of Asian space in an era ofglobalization.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of heatwave managementplan especially focused on the low-income aged people and suggest policy implicationsto improve current policy and its implementation. As a research method,a literature review and In-depth interviews were conducted. As a result, policy targetgroup for heatwave management plan has been reduced in implementation andwarning or safety call was not delivered effectively within networking system. Moreover cooling center has psychological accessibility problem. This study showsthat short-term heatwave management plan has limits to address the vulnerabilitiesof the low-income aged people. To response these problems, therefore, heatwavemanagement plan needs to be combined with comprehensive welfare policy.