Key Schools of Geographical Thought and Global Institutions
Key Schools of Geographical Thought
Quantitative Geography
Originating primarily from the Vienna Circle and the work of Walter Christaller, the main objective of Quantitative Geography is to formulate laws governing the location and distribution of geographic phenomena. It is based on general systems theory. To achieve this, practitioners must follow a scientific and rational method to pose and test hypotheses experimentally. To ensure objectivity, the language used must be precise and rigorous.
Geography of Perception and Behavior
This school posits that people decide their behavior based on their spatial perception of the environment. Information received is filtered by a system of individual values. Consequently, different individuals can perceive reality differently.
Radical Geography
Associated with thinkers like Yves Lacoste and the Frankfurt School, Radical Geography is based on radical left thinking. It critiques the contradictions and consequences of capitalism, aiming to convince people to participate in creating new ways of organizing the economy and society. It contributes the concept of the social product: the result of the conjunction of human activities in each historical moment upon the existing space.
Human Geography
Promoted by groups like the Antipode magazine collective in Britain, Human Geography aims for study based on empathetic knowledge. This approach focuses on the notion of the lived subjective world, which is conceived as an amalgam of facts and values that include personal experience.
International Organizations and Treaties
The World Bank (WB)
The World Bank is a body within the United Nations, created in 1944 to help developing countries combat poverty through low-interest loans, interest-free credits, and other subsidies. It consists of two main institutions:
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): Focuses on countries with economic capacity.
- International Development Association (IDA): Focuses on the poorest countries.
United Nations (UN)
The UN was created in 1945, building upon the foundation of the League of Nations. It arose from the need for international security, sustainable development, the extension of democracy, and respect for human rights.
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The IMF is an integrated intergovernmental body within the United Nations system. It was created with the idea of fostering global financial stability and the international market, aiming to combat poverty and related economic problems.
OECD: Economic Co-operation and Development
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was created in 1960 with headquarters in Paris. It integrates European states and North America. The common feature among its components is an interest in economic development and the defense of democracy. It is formed by approximately 30 states, and its objectives include:
- Promoting economic development.
- Increasing world trade.
- Helping less developed countries.
The Maastricht Treaty (1992)
This European Union Treaty was signed on February 7, 1992, in Maastricht. It modified and updated the Treaties of Paris and Rome and the Single European Act. Its importance lies mainly in that, for the first time, it exceeded the idea of a European Economic Community to further political aims. It is known for serving as the first steps toward what would later become the Euro currency for Europe.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
NATO is an organization integrating European countries and North America. It was created in 1949 under the North Atlantic Treaty. It is based in Brussels, and its main aims are to cooperate in defense and security between member countries and allies.