The panel engages with micro-level divisions that characterize contemporary landscapes worldwide. These divisions often reflect broader social, ethnic, political, and economic cleavages, manifesting in the physical and symbolic partitioning of Space(s.) The discussion will explore how urban spaces become arenas of conflict, contestation, and negotiation, where boundaries are drawn not only on maps but also in the everyday lives of inhabitants. The panel will address key questions: How do micro-geopolitical divisions emerge? What roles do historical legacies, state (public) policies, politicians, residents and global forces play in shaping these divisions? How do communities navigate and resist these fragmentations? What are the new and potential future lines of divisions?
By examining different cases, the panel aims to uncover the interplay between micro-level urban divisions and macro-level geopolitical forces. Discussions will highlight how urban borders—whether they are physical barriers, social divides, or cultural demarcations—affect residents' identities, access to resources, political participation, and potential societal fractions.
The panel will also consider the impact of technology, gentrification and migration in either exacerbating or bridging these divides. Special attention will be given to the lived experiences of individuals in divided cities, exploring how micro-geopolitical boundaries influence their sense of belonging, security, and mobility. Moreover, the discussion will investigate the role of urban planning, grassroots activism, and policy interventions in addressing or perpetuating divisions. The main focus in on Place – Space interplay in modern world with an emphasis on micro-level borders and division, both from the perspective of causes and consequences.
