Sam Halvorsen

UCL Department of Geography
University College London
Pearson Building
Gower Street
London.
WC1E 6BT.

I am interested in the geographies of activism and contemporary autonomous politics. My research focuses on the current “Occupy” movement, and how it engages with different spaces in order to go about its politics. In particular, I am interested in the role of territory and territoriality and how these spatialities are related to others, such as places and networks, as well as the emerging discourse on the assemblages of activism. Recent years have seen a plethora of articles and studies demonstrating the importance of networks and extra-local relations to social movements, and in particular decentralised autonomous politics. I argue that the role of territory has increasingly been overlooked, and that the Occupy movement is an important example of how it can form part of progressive spatial strategies.

I am actively involved in the Occupy London movement, and my research is based on an engaged ethnographic approach, that (con)fuses my role as academic and activist. Previously, I completed a Masters in Globalisation (department of Geography) at UCL (2010-2011, distinction), researching the “politics of place” in a student occupation; and also have a degree in Geography from the University of Bristol (2002-2006, 1^st Class Honours, with a year abroad).

Initial thoughts and comments based on my research can be found here:

• http://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/sam-halvorsen/occupying-offices-of-1
• http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/site/article_comments/occupy_on_autonomy_in_times_of_crisis
• http://societyandspace.com/2011/12/12/sam-halvorsen-occupying-the-politics-of-process/