Cities Can Thrive in the Age of Populism is a timely and thought-provoking book that examines the relationship between contemporary populist politics and urban development. At a moment when populism is reshaping political discourse across the world, the book challenges the assumption that cities are inevitable victims of populist movements. Instead, it presents a nuanced argument that cities possess unique institutional, social, and economic capacities that allow them not only to withstand populist pressures but also to adapt and flourish. The book situates cities as central arenas where the tensions of populism are most visible. Urban spaces concentrate political power, economic opportunity, cultural diversity, and social inequality, making them frequent targets of populist critique. The author explores how populist narratives often frame cities as elite-driven, disconnected from "ordinary people," and overly influenced by globalization. Rather than accepting this framing, the book critically analyzes its roots and consequences, showing how such narratives emerge from genuine grievances related to inequality, governance failures, and social exclusion. A key contribution of the book lies in its focus on urban governance. It argues that cities can respond to populist challenges by strengthening democratic practices at the local level. Transparent decision-making, citizen participation, and inclusive policy design are presented as essential tools for rebuilding trust between urban authorities and residents. The book emphasizes that effective local governance can counter populist distrust by delivering visible improvements in everyday urban life. Economic inclusion forms another central theme. The book highlights how cities that invest in broad-based economic opportunities-such as affordable housing, public services, and access to education-are better positioned to reduce the social divides that populism exploits. Urban innovation, entrepreneurship, and social policy are portrayed as mechanisms through which cities can align economic growth with social justice. The book also addresses cultural diversity and identity, recognizing cities as spaces arized of coexistence and interaction.
Isaac Morgan is recognized as a leading expert on contemporary urban governance and political change, with a particular focus on how cities respond to the rise of populism. His work bridges political theory, urban studies, and public policy, allowing him to examine cities not merely as administrative units but as dynamic social and political systems. Through his scholarship, Morgan has developed a nuanced understanding of the tensions between populist movements and urban institutions, making him a credible and influential voice on the theme explored in Cities Can Thrive in the Age of Populism. Morgan's expertise lies in analyzing how populist narratives interact with issues of inequality, representation, and governance at the city level. He approaches populism neither as a purely destructive force nor as a uniform ideology, but as a political response rooted in social and economic discontent. This balanced perspective enables him to move beyond simplistic interpretations and to explore how cities can adapt constructively to populist pressures. His work emphasizes that urban challenges such as housing affordability, service delivery, and political trust are central to understanding why populism gains traction and how it can be addressed.
Preface
Chapter 1. Populism and the Urban Question
Chapter 2. Why Cities Become Targets of Populism
Chapter 3. Urban Governance in Populist Times
Chapter 4. Economic Resilience and Inclusive Growth
Chapter 5. Social Cohesion and Urban Diversity
Chapter 6. Urban Planning, Space, and Populist Politics
Chapter 7. Cities as Arenas of Democratic Innovation
Chapter 8. Global Cities, Networks, and Transnational Action
Chapter 9. Security, Fear, and the Politics of Urban Life
Chapter 10. Pathways for Cities to Thrive
Bibliography
Index
$280.00