This virtual workshop will bring together a group of distinguished and early career scholars to consider the distinct challenges states face when it comes to building, extending and securing sovereignty, borders, territory and legal regimes in distant and difficult-to-reach spaces.

This turn to what is termed ‘Remote Geopolitics’ will examine emerging or re-emerging sites of international contestation: namely, the Polar Regions, the Deep Sea and Outer Space.

Organised by Dr Duncan Depledge, the workshop will consist of an open panel-led discussion, featuring the following experts, including five Visiting Fellows who will be welcomed to the IAS:

• Dr Duncan Depledge (Chair), º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ (UK)
• Dr Elizabeth Buchanan, Deakin University (Australia)
• Wing Commander Clifford Fletcher-Jones, King’s College London (UK)
• Professor P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Trent University (Canada)
• Rear Admiral (Ret.) Nick Lambert, NLA International (UK)
• Dr Rachael Squire, Royal Holloway, University of London (UK)
• Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe (Discussant), º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ (UK)

Our call for attention to ‘Remote Geopolitics’ is motivated by the following concerns:

• How and why do remote spaces come to matter to states and other actors?
• Why do they need to be secured, who has access, and how are they accessed?
• What are the implications of the extreme, sometimes changing nature of remote spaces?
• Could the perceived or actual absence of sovereignty/governance leave these spaces vulnerable to behaviour that undermines or challenges the status quo?
• What speculations can we make concerning possible positive and negative future scenarios?

Dr Duncan Depledge said: “This IAS Spotlight Series will explore ideas of the ‘Remote’ and what they mean for the geopolitics and security of distant and difficult-to-reach spaces. We’re delighted to welcome a distinguished panel of international experts to helps us develop our thinking in this exciting area of research.”

Professor Marsha Meskimmon, Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies, added:

“It is a pleasure to host a forum on such a pivotal topic through our Spotlight Series, and to be able to welcome outstanding Visiting Fellows to the IAS, both in person and virtually, for this event.”

Further information and a booking form can be found here.