Logistics play a pivotal role in the context of globalization, shaping disparities between the so-called Global North and South. They influence the level of economic 'development' and serve as the infrastructure for environmental degradation in one area to facilitate industrial production and the 'green transformation' in another. As such, logistics form the backbone of modern capitalism. Exploring how goods, services, and capital traverse borders within this capitalist framework offers insights into the interconnectedness of economies and societies globally. Research into logistics delves into economic inequalities both within and between countries, shedding light on how capitalist systems perpetuate or alleviate disparities in wealth, resources, and opportunities on a global scale.
Moreover, logistics encompass intricate networks of production, distribution, and consumption heavily reliant on labour, often transcending national boundaries. This provides insights into transnational labour relations, encompassing issues like labour exploitation, migration, and the impact of global supply chains on workers' rights and conditions. Additionally, the global logistics of capitalism carry significant environmental implications, including carbon emissions from transportation, deforestation due to land-use changes, and pollution from manufacturing processes. Furthermore, logistics intersect with political dynamics at various levels, including international trade agreements, regulatory frameworks, and geopolitical tensions. Understanding these intersections yields valuable insights into the role of politics in shaping global economic processes and vice versa.
Effective research in this field necessitates appropriate methods, data collection, analysis, and theory construction. Mastering qualitative methods is indispensable for conducting research across the spectrum of social sciences. This seminar places particular methodological emphasis on interviews, exploring various types such as expert interviews, in-depth interviews, and group interviews, along with the necessary tools for conducting them. Additionally, we will discuss diverse strategies for analysing and extracting data from interviews, applying our knowledge through practical exercises. The course will incorporate authentic interview material, and students (depending on the seminar size) will have the opportunity to conduct their own interviews.