Cities and Authoritarianism

This month’s special feature focuses on the rise of authoritarianism in cities.  What are the strategies and tactics that authoritarian regimes might use to control their capital cities?

Beth and Tom are joined by David Jackman to discuss the insights provided in his edited book with Tom, as well as a discussion of urban political dynamics in Bangladesh - the subject of David's other new book.

With Miguel Kanai and Hannah Lewis, they dive into urban interventions to address air pollution and discuss the UK’s hostile asylum regime and how Cities of Sanctuary can help.

Also on our radar:

• Looming war in the Horn of Africa, and the role of cities and towns
• AI facial scanning technologies in Sheffield, and its potential risks
• Student protests in Serbia and their link to major urban investments
• The challenges of urban infrastructure - from water shortages to potholes in Johannesburg and UK cities

Guests:
Miguel Kanai is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography and Planning. His work examines the urbanisation of the world under contemporary globalised capitalism and implications for communities in the Global South.

Hannah Lewis is a Senior Lecturer in Sociological Studies. Her recent work has explored how the social and legal status of migrants can create lasting insecurities and vulnerabilities to poverty and social exclusion.