Introducing Rural Planning: A new AESOP Thematic Group

Abstract

The article introduces the newly established AESOP Thematic Group on Rural Planning, approved at the AESOP Heads of Schools meeting in Liverpool and formally launched at the AESOP Annual Congress in Istanbul in July 2025. The authors outline the conceptual foundations of contemporary rural planning, emphasizing the complexity, diversity and dynamic nature of rural places in the 21st century. The paper argues for the importance of rural scholarship within AESOP, highlighting emerging challenges such as counterurbanisation, climate-related risks, rural housing pressures, spatial justice, sustainability, and global socio-economic inequalities. It also summarizes the group’s initial discussions, future plans, workshop ambitions, and commitment to building an international and interdisciplinary community around rural planning.