How Capitals get Distinct?

[aim of the paper: approach distinction as a positive, or productive result of the process of Balkanization]

[with references to:
-Maria Todorova: Imagining the Balkans (chapter one Nomen),
-Vesna Goldsvorthy: The Rhetoric of Balkanization (from Balkan as Metaphor, MIT Press)
-Elizabeth Grosz, three essays from The Architecture from the Outside (Lived Spatiality, Futures, Cities, Architecture & The Architecture from the Outside
-Pierre Burdieux, Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste, 1979/1984, Routledge,

These are three consecutive theoretical essays by Elizabeth Grosz culminating with the idea of architecture from the outside.

This is an important essay by Vesna Goldsworthy on the Rhetorics of Balkanization.

Here is an informative history of the word: Balkanization from the book by Maria Todorova: Imagining the Balkans. Please read her mapping of the history of the word.

Here is a short piece on a curious and evasive relationship between two leading countries (one current, one former) in the Non-Aligned movement, published in Bidoun magazine.

The majority of the world’s petrodollars often remain invisible or unaccounted for, only registering briefly, if at all, in offshore locations. Many newly coined corporate free zones now merge with resorts, to avail themselves of the fantasy and caprice that petrodollars enjoy. Most banish the negotiations that are usually associated with the contingencies of urbanism—negotiations such as those concerning labor, human rights or environment. Most of these entrepôts also launder the temporary contents, labor conditions and real estate opportunities of their warehouses, campuses and parks.

The event with Sam Weber will take place at Slought Foundation on Friday, March 30, 2007 from 6:30-8:30pm as part of the Evasions of Power conference. It will begin with prepared remarks by Peter Krapp on "Networks," Eduardo Cadava on "Netwar," and Catherine Liu on "Narratives." A public conversation with Samuel Weber, moderated by Jean-Michel Rabaté, will take place immediately after.

Attached file has the full version of the draft.

Balkanisation / Preliminary overview of the term’s original and contemporary meanings
prepared for Goldsmiths Centre for Architecture Research, London, 2006/03/24

“Balkanisation is a geopolitical term originally used to describe the process of fragmentation or division of a region into smaller regions that are often hostile or non-cooperative with each other. Recently the term has been used in American urban planning to describe the process of how gated communities are created. There are also attempts to use the term Balkanization in a positive way equating Balkanization with the need for sustenance of a group or society. It used to be hostile, but recent usages of the term show the potential of Balkanization vis‐à‐vis democratic processes.”