Follow the money

Abstract

This paper presents an original follow the money methodology and argues for adopting the approach in geographical research. In 2011, Christophers made a compelling theoretical case for following money; however, it is empirically challenging, and his call remains unanswered. I propose an approach for following money in practice, using quantitative methods to do critical financial analysis to map and model flows of money. Drawing on the cases of vaccine bonds and rhino bonds, I illustrate this approach and make the case for this powerful methodology, outlining its contributions to advancing debates in geography. First, following money provides a robust and detailed empirical evidence base, offering a clear and precise understanding of a case study. Second, empirically, the methodology delivers a precise account of the material (re)distribution of resources, revealing who benefits or loses, by how much, and where. Theoretically, the methodology contributes to understanding the social and economic relations which support and are created by money's circulation. Fourth, following money reveals the mechanisms and consequences of financialisation. Finally, the approach contributes to understanding risk in society by uncovering financial risks, who faces them, and their significance. I also present some notes of caution on the limitations of the approach.