Natalie Koch, Associate Professor of Geography, Syracuse University. Why do autocrats build spectacular new capital cities? Dr. Koch considers how autocratic rulers use "spectacular" projects to shape state-society relations, but rather than focus on the standard approach - on the project itself - she considers the unspectacular "others." The contrasting views of those from the poorest regions toward these new national capitals help her develop a geographic approach to spectacle. Join us for this upcoming book talk by the author, with a response from Mrinalini Rajagopala, Associate Professor, History of Art and Architecture