Policy Press

Between Realism and Revolt

Governing Cities in the Crisis of Neoliberal Globalism

By Jonathan S. Davies

Published

Mar 24, 2021

Page count

270 pages

ISBN

978-1529210927

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Mar 24, 2021

Page count

270 pages

ISBN

978-1529210910

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Mar 24, 2021

Page count

270 pages

ISBN

978-1529210941

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Mar 24, 2021

Page count

270 pages

ISBN

978-1529210941

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Between Realism and Revolt

Leading governance theorist Jonathan S. Davies develops a rich comparative analysis of austerity governance and resistance in eight cities, to establish a conjunctural perspective on the rolling crises of neoliberal globalism.

Drawing on a major international study of eight cities, Davies employs Gramscian regime analysis to consider the consolidation, weakening and transformation of urban governance regimes through the age of austerity. He explores how urban governance shapes variations in austere neoliberalism, tackling themes including collaboration, dominance, resistance and counter-hegemony.

The book is a significant addition to thinking about how the era of austerity politics influences urban governance today, and the potential for alternative urban futures.

“Davies' new book is an urgent reminder that austerity is not merely a self-defeating macroeconomic policy but also constitutes a calamity at the local level.” Yanis Varoufakis, Secretary General of the European Realistic Disobedience Front (MeRA25) and former Greek Minister of Finance

“This book sets a new benchmark for the critical and cross-national theorization of “late neoliberal” urban governance and devolved austerity politics.” Jamie Peck, University of British Columbia

“A sharp yet nuanced analysis of diverse ways of urban austerity governance that also identifies substantive grounds for hope in urban struggles. Indispensable for urban scholars and practitioners alike!” Margit Mayer, Centre for Metropolitan Studies, Berlin

"A remarkably rich comparative study. With transformative horizons and a realistic method, this book generates vital insights for everyone working on strategies for an earth-friendly public happiness. Insights are stimulated by an age of austerity but handy too for our present age of pandemic." Hilary Wainwright, Red Pepper, Transnational Institute and author of "A New Politics from the Left”

Jonathan S. Davies is Director of the Centre for Urban Research on Austerity and Professor of Critical Policy Studies, at De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.

Studying Urban Political (Dis)Orders

Dynamics of Crisis, Neoliberalisation and Austerity

Austerity and State Rescaling

Consolidating Neoliberal Austerity Regimes

Regime Divergence and the Limits of Austere Neoliberalism

Resisting Austerity: Resonant Solidarities and Small Wins

The ‘Activity of Ruling Groups’: Containment, De-mobilisation and Fragmentation

Reading the Conjuncture: (Dis)Ordering Dynamics in the Crises of Neoliberal Globalism

Afterword: Into the Pandemic