Geopolitics Quarterly

Geopolitics Quarterly

Virtual Geography vs Political Geography of Cyberspace in Iranian Academia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Yunes Rashidi 1
Atefeh Abolhassani 2
1 Graduated in Political Geography, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Graduated in Political Geography, University of Tehran, Iran
10.22034/igq.2025.465070.1923
Abstract
Since the introduction of virtual space to Iranian society, its function has always been controversial. The state remains continuously cautious about its control over the country. It has expressed concern about foreign interventions in virtual space, leading citizens to view it as a means of connecting to the global community, an opportunity for political engagement and social activism, and an accelerator of global connectivity. Therefore, ‘virtual space’ is a significant issue for the Iranian state and its citizens. Although there is no clear distinction between their perspectives, and each showcases varying attitudes, it can be generally stated that there exists a contrast between academic views on this topic. This divergence is explicitly illustrated by the theories presented by scholars in communication and Geography. In this paper, we will examine two distinct theories in Iranian academia regarding virtual space: spatial duality and the political geography of cyberspace. By analyzing these theories within the geography framework, we will explore the reasons behind them, their implications and impacts, and their weaknesses, ultimately arguing for adopting virtual geography as a preferable alternative to the political geography of cyberspace.
Keywords
Virtual and Cyberspace, Virtual Geography, Dual Spatiality, Geopolitics, and Representational Geopolitics

Subjects

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Geopolitics Quarterly
Volume 21, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 58-76

  • Receive Date 20 July 2024
  • Revise Date 15 April 2025
  • Accept Date 25 April 2025