Spatial inequalities and feelings of left-behindness: perceptions, imaginaries, and policy responses

Call for Papers

Spatial inequalities and feelings of left-behindness: perceptions, imaginaries, and policy responses

Journal:Regional Studies

Manuscript deadline: 11 September 2026

This special issue focuses on the perceptual and emotional dimensions of regional inequality, especially how narratives, identities, spatial imaginaries, and feelings of neglect shape political discontent and policy responses in “left-behind” places. It welcomes conceptual, theoretical, and empirical work, including qualitative and quantitative studies, with particular encouragement for Global South perspectives and early-career scholars.

Special Issue Editors

• Max Roessler, University of Greifswald

• Crhistian Joel González-Cuatianquis, Gran Sasso Science Institute

• Stefania Fiorentino, University of Cambridge

• Grete Gansauer, University of Wyoming

Main themes

• Theorising perceived left-behindness.

• Narratives and imaginaries of left-behind regions.

• Regional identities, histories, and social memory.

• How emotional geographies affect development policy and planning.

• Methods for studying imaginaries, narratives, and visions of regional futures.

• Policy responses that reduce neglect and institutional mistrust.

• Similarities and differences across Global North and Global South contexts.

Submission process

Authors should submit an extended abstract of up to 500 words plus references via the Google Form by 28 February 2026 for fit-checking before full submission. Full manuscripts are then submitted through the journal system by 11 September 2026, with the special issue title selected at submission.

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