Cookies?
Library Header Image
LSE Research Online LSE Library Services

Geographical imagination and technological connectivity in East Africa

Graham, Mark, Andersen, Casper and Mann, Laura (2015) Geographical imagination and technological connectivity in East Africa. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 40 (3). 334 - 349. ISSN 0020-2754

Full text not available from this repository.

Identification Number: 10.1111/tran.12076

Abstract

This paper analyses and compares two transformative moments of technologically mediated change in East Africa, the construction of the Uganda railway between Mombasa and Lake Victoria (1896–1903) and the introduction of fibre‐optic cables that landed into the ports of Dar Es Salaam and Mombasa in 2009. The paper uses discourse analysis to examine how technologically mediated connectivity has been represented by political and economic actors during these transformative moments. In both cases we explore the origins of the expectations of connectivity and the hope and fear associated with them. Building on Massey's notion of power‐geometry and Sheppard's concept of positionality, the paper focuses on power relationships in discussions of connectivity and asks how people understand the abilities of transformative technologies to modify positionalities and alter relational distance and proximity. Ultimately, by examining historical and contemporary expectations of connectivity in East Africa, this paper works towards more grounded and historicised understandings of the coming‐together of technology and connectivity.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14755661
Additional Information: © 2014 The Authors
Divisions: International Development
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications
Date Deposited: 31 May 2018 16:16
Last Modified: 27 Jan 2024 02:24
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/88144

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item