The territorial state

How do we imagine states?In particular buildings? Symbols? The organization and use of

force?

This assumes the state ‘as thing’.

We can point to it, locate it, in definite spaces.

But what are the limits to this line of thinking? How does this method make it challenging to

study the geography of ‘the state’?

But, where is the state?We know the state is effectuated and evidenced in a series of

polices, programs, laws, codes, and norms--so where do we place it?

Painter’s ‘stateness’

Appears and reappears in a range of policies, practices,

and approaches far from sites of instrumental power.

Prosaic: pro·sa·ic  1.Having the style or diction of

prose; lacking poetic beauty.2.Commonplace; unromantic.

Prosaics, or, The everyday❖ We are looking for the

state in most basic iterations--no statues, cathedrals, or monuments.

❖ How does the state creep in to influence the way regular people interact, move, buy, sell, shop, eat, build, drive, and live?

Imaging Stateness

The Federal Identity Program creates a unified look and feel--a brand--for everything associated with the Canadian

federal government.