Governing through austerity: the (il)logics of neoliberal urbanism

This workshop will include lectures by and discussion with senior level experts in the field.

Overview

In the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, major economies have entered a cycle of slow growth and rising government deficits, to which economists have responded with public expenditure cuts. Such austerity measures tend to reorganize the institutional matrix of the state, with socially regressive consequences. They affect welfare state provisions, change the distribution of economic risks, and influence the scope of social rights. The weight of the crises and social upheaval this has caused have disproportionately been carried by local governments.

This workshop will bring together scholars, policy-makers and activists. Uniting academic insight with concrete policy perspectives, we will explore the options available to local governments facing the effects of austerity.

How to Attend

Anyone with an interest in the topic is encouraged to apply. Workshop participants are also invited to the INET Conference that will follow on 14-15 April, ahead of the IMF and World Bank Meetings on 16-18 April. Interested participants residing outside the DC area may request to be considered for partial travel support and/or accommodation. In your application, please attach your CV and motivation, and elaborate on how your work and your interests align with the goals of the workshop, and the partner organization.