For a political economy of logistical hinterlands: the territorial logistics regimes

Abstract

Starting from a theoretical reflection on analytical frameworks available in
geography to analyze the phenomenon of logistics, this article advances the
notion of territorial logistics regimes (TLR). The authors argue that the debate
should go beyond the dichotomy between territorial development and critical
studies, which is especially strong in Italian literature, and frame logistics as
an urban phenomenon in the form of logistical hinterlands. They proceed to
advance a political economy framework, incorporating some recent reflections
on the return of State capitalism and on the paradigm of infrastructure-led
development. TLRs, understood as coalitions of public and private actors with
a common interest in logistics development, are meant as a heuristic to clarify
the political and economic power dynamics of the multiple actors revolving
around logistical hinterland development. To conclude, some research
avenues are suggested.