Conceptualizing Location - One term, many meanings, a lot of problems

Kopanja, Mihajlo

Mihajlo Kopanja Conceptualizing Location - One Term, Many Meanings, a Lot of Problems Master thesis Supervisor: Nuno Morgado, M. Pol. Sc., Ph.D. Abstract Location as a geopolitical concept is one of the most fundamental variables being used in research since the beginning of geopolitics itself. Yet, usages of the concept in geopolitical literature point to different conceptualizations of location which, in turn, provide different explanations of causal properties this concept has on the state's behavior. This logical inconsistency imbedded in the concept of location sets up a fundamental question: what location, as a concept, is and how does it produce causal effect onto a state? Following that another question arises: can this inconsistency be resolved through reconceptualization? By identifying the set of different attributes assigned to the concept of location in existing literature determination of inconsistency has been made and used as a basis for reconceptualization of location. Through the introduction of a model with four secondary concepts using the radial approach to concept formation an attempt has been made to resolve internal inconsistencies of location as a concept and as a variable while increasing its explanatory power in understanding and analyzing its effects on states as shown in the...

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