Résumé
The main object of this research work is a free zone embodying one of the emblems of the neoliberal public policies implemented by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan since the end of the 1980s. I opted to place this research object at the heart of logics and territorial effects of neoliberalism, especially I queried this free zone through its extraterritorial character. Within this special economic zone of 375 km², the notion of extraterritoriality refers to different dimensions: institutional, economic or urban development of which the design, operation and the wealth created would escape the host territory and its actors (local public governance, inhabitants, etc.). The foreshadowing of the Aqaba special economic zone, for example, led to the local democratic systems decline (abolition of municipal elections) and the dissolution of the municipality, replaced by new technocratic governance structures designed and structured from the outside (by international consultants and central government). Behind these different dimensions of extraterritoriality, I postulate that there exists an extraterritorial paradox between local resources dispossession processes on the one hand and, a strong anchoring of the free zone system on the other, in favor of influential economic specific interests and political elites in Jordan. Finally, architecture and urban planning of major projects would not only be seen as symbols of the renewal of marginalized spaces in Aqaba, they have even become an iconic image of socio-spatial marginalization processes. I thus try to account for the socio-territorial effects caused by the development of these major projects which will most often affects the most vulnerable local populations. Indeed, several large urban projects constructions has involved the demolition of some historic districts in the city and the eviction or forced displacement of inhabitants towards alternative housing in the outskirts of the city.
Source: http://www.theses.fr/2021TOUR1503
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