Toward Analog Geographies: Moving with and beyond Enclosure

Abstract

This article calls for closer attention to be paid to particular kinds of spaces, practices, and sensibilities that might best be explored through the prism of the analog. We argue that this is important, not only in accounting for wide-ranging analogic histories but also to capture how the allure of the analog and analogic practices have taken hold in present times amidst a climate emergency and ambitions for extra-planetary futures. We use “analog” broadly as a noun to refer to a space, practice, logic or sensibility that is comparable to, or seeking to reproduce another. An analog is, in other words, some kind of best approximation of something else, of other world(s) or conditions that enable different kinds of living where otherwise they may be impossible. Within this framework, the article traces analog geographies through time and space and makes three key interventions in the process. The first is to bring a range of literature within geography and the humanities into conversation to position analog geographies and provide a lens through which to think critically about humanity’s relationship with the planet and about ideas of shelter in an ever more challenging climate. The second intervention is to challenge the assumption that analogs solely serve the technological fantasies of elite actors. While analogs can (and often do) do this, we argue that they can also embody more hopeful and equitable engagements with the future. Finally, we call for further research into analog geographies and outline potential future directions that this might take.

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