Michel Foucault and Yves Lacoste: The 1975 meeting that shaped geopolitics

A historical discussion has resurfaced regarding a pivotal 1975 meeting between philosopher Michel Foucault and geographer Yves Lacoste. This encounter, which was published in the inaugural 1976 issue of the journal Hérodote, marked a significant intellectual shift for Foucault.

Originally indifferent to geography, Foucault’s dialogue with Lacoste led him to recognize the discipline's importance in analyzing power relations. The discussion highlighted that power is not merely a state mechanism but is distributed through networks of micro-powers across various spatial structures. This exchange encouraged Foucault to integrate geographical concepts—such as fortresses, campaigns, and territory—into his philosophical analysis of how power operates within society and institutions.

The retrospective comes as part of commemorations for the 100th anniversary of Foucault’s birth and the 50th anniversary of Hérodote in 2026. Geographer Béatrice Zylberé, who was a student of Lacoste at the time and is now the editor-in-chief of Hérodote, provided testimony regarding the meeting.