Professor Henry Wai-chung Yeung Discusses New Book on Theory and Explanation in Geography

The event, held on Tuesday, February 20th, was a chance for staff and students to hear Professor Yeung's thoughts on theory in human geography. 

It was followed by a panel discussion in which Professor Yeung was joined by Professor Paul Longley, Professor James Kneale, Professor Jennifer Robinson, Emeritus Professor John Allen (Open University) and Professor Alex Loftus (Kings' College London), to discuss and debate the issues raised in his book. 

Published by Wiley-Blackwell for the RGS-IBG, it integrates analytical sociology, political science, and the philosophy of social sciences into geographical discourse, informed by his research focus on mechanism-based approaches to theory.

Professor Jenny Robinson commented, “In the footsteps of David Harvey’s (1969) Explanation in Geography, Henry’s book opens up new conversations about the ways in which Geographers can contribute to wider theorising in social science, and speak back to existing theories from different contexts. It was great to have the chance to explore his ideas from a range of different perspectives.”

Professor Yeung said, "As an author, I can’t think of a better way to benefit from your insights and thoughts."

We would like to extend our gratitude to Professor Yeung for his visit. 

More information

Since February 2018, Professor Yeung has held the post of Distinguished Professor of the National University of Singapore in recognition of his "outstanding academic excellence as well as academic and intellectual leadership. Professor Yeung holds the Sir Peter Hall Award for Lifetime Contribution by the Regional Studies Association and the Distinguished Scholarship Honours by the American Association of Geographers. 

His research covers a wide array of topics, from economic geography to global value chains and semiconductor industries.