Francophone geography and the trajectory of mobile space theory: Learning from Sahelian spaces

Formulated in the mid‐1980s, mobile space theory represents a valuable contribution to geographical literature, yet it has remained insufficiently understood and disseminated outside a small circle of Francophone geographers led by Denis Retaillé. This paper critically evaluates the advances of this approach within Francophone geography and explores its contribution to the larger discipline. Bibliometric review, qualitative interviews and social network analysis presented in this paper suggest that the relative isolation of mobile space theory reflects both conceptual criticisms and institutional obstacles. Thus far, mobile space theory is perceived as too similar to other approaches dealing with mobilities and too focused on the spatialities of ‘tropical’ societies. The diffusion of mobile space theory has also been constrained by the centralized structure and limited opportunities offered by the academic system upon which it relies institutionally. However, none of these obstacles are insurmountable.