DOSSIÊ TERRITÓRIOS E SUAS CONFIGURAÇÕES CONTEMPORÂNEAS
CONTEMPORARY TERRITORIAL CONFIGURATIONS
The Lex Cult Journal, published by the Federal Regional Court of the 2nd Region of Brazil, invites judges, professors, researchers, and members of the academic community to submit original contributions to the special issue “Contemporary Territorial Configurations.”
Submission deadline: August 31, 2026
Publication: October 16, 2026
Contemporary territories are increasingly complex, dynamic, and interconnected, reflecting economic, social, political, environmental, and technological transformations. According to Santos (2000, p. 96), the concept of territory extends beyond the understanding of space as a mere physical delimitation and encompasses relations of power, identity, culture, and appropriation by different social groups. As Santos observes, “the territory in use constitutes a complex whole in which a web of complementary and conflicting relationships is woven” (SANTOS, 2006, p. 104).
From this perspective, territories are shaped by inequalities, disputes, processes of inclusion and exclusion, and different forms of spatial appropriation and use. Economic and political relations influence territorial organization, producing unequal access to resources, opportunities, services, rights, and infrastructure. Milton Santos’s approach therefore contributes to understanding territory as a dynamic social construct through which the contradictions and transformations of contemporary society are expressed.
Environmental issues have likewise become increasingly significant in territorial analysis. Deforestation, climate change, extreme events, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity highlight the need to rethink patterns of occupation, appropriation, and spatial governance, as well as the challenges associated with sustainability and environmental justice.
Within this context, the analysis of territorial configurations also provides a framework for understanding the production and distribution of different forms of vulnerability, as well as the capacities of individuals, communities, institutions, and territories to prevent, confront, and transform situations of risk, inequality, and exposure. Vulnerability, understood from a broad and interdisciplinary perspective, thus constitutes a cross-cutting dimension in the study of contemporary territories, encompassing social, environmental, technological, and institutional dimensions.
This special issue welcomes theoretical, empirical, and interdisciplinary contributions addressing transformations in contemporary territories and their implications for rights, public policy, sustainability, governance, and the organization of contemporary society.
Suggested thematic areas, without limitation- Territory, Human Rights, and Social Vulnerabilities
Contributions addressing territory, fundamental rights, inequalities, social inclusion and exclusion, poverty, housing, health, education, labor, migration, mobility, diversity, vulnerable populations, access to justice, and processes of territorial marginalization. - Territory, Environment, and Climate Vulnerabilities
Research addressing climate change, climate justice, socio-environmental risks and disasters, extreme events, environmental conservation, natural resources, water and food security, sustainability, adaptation, resilience, and the territorial distribution of environmental risks. - Territory, Technology, and Digital Transformations
Studies addressing artificial intelligence, smart cities, digital transformation, digital government, data protection, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, connectivity, digital inequalities, and the impacts of emerging technologies on the organization and experience of territories. - Territory, Institutions, Governance, and Capacities
Research addressing territorial governance, public policy, planning, public administration, federalism, social participation, multilevel governance, risk management, infrastructure, security, regional development, and institutional capacity to prevent and respond to contemporary vulnerabilities.
References
SANTOS, Milton. O papel ativo da geografia: um manifesto. São Paulo: Laboplan, 2000.
SANTOS, Milton. A natureza do espaço: técnica e tempo, razão e emoção. 4. ed. São Paulo: Edusp, 2006.
Organizer:
Prof. Douglas Vieira Barboza (Universidade Iguaçu / Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro)
