ABERDEEN, S.D.— A new book edited by Northern State University’s Dr. Joshua Hagen, titled “The City as Power: Urban Space, Place and National Identity” explores the role of cities as venues to build, uphold and challenge national identity, state power and a sense of belonging.

The book brings together scholars from many disciplines to offer broad comparative perspectives on identity, memory and belonging through examinations of cityscapes around the world including Dublin, Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar, Ankara, Budapest, Lusaka, Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, Doha and many others.

“The City as Power” also offers commentary on the recent U.S. controversy over confederate memorials and statues in public spaces, and has shone a light on urban iconography’s influence over place, memory and identity. 

The book was published by Roman & Littlefield in September. Hagen’s co-editor is associate professor of Geography at the University of Kansas, Alexander Diener. In addition to editing the volume, Hagen and Diener co-authored the book’s introduction “The City as Palimpsest” and conclusion “The City as Crucible.”

“Rather than passive backdrops,” Hagen explained, “cities are active mediums that are not simply lived in but also lived through.” Hagen and Diener just published a blog for Global Urban History that builds on “The City as Power.” 

Hagen is the dean of the NSU College of Arts and Sciences. He joined Northern in 2016. Hagen received a Ph.D. in geography with a history minor and an M.S. in geography, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received a B.A., summa cum laude, in geography and political science from the University of Northern Iowa.

Learn more about “The City as Power” or purchase here.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.