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Urban Hierarchies and City Growth in the Balkans

Author

Listed:
  • Michel Dimou

    (University of Réunion, CERESUR 29, Rue Cézanne, Saint Pierre, La Réunion, 97432, France, dimou@univ-reunion.fr)

  • Alexandra Schaffar

    (IREMIA, University of Réunion and LEAD, University of Toulon, 29 Rue Cézanne, Ravine des Cabris, La Réunion, 97432, France, schaffar@univ-reunion.fr)

Abstract

This paper uses empirical evidence from the Balkan peninsula during the 1981—2001 period, in order to study the dynamic patterns of a conflict-affected city-size distribution. By examining the time variations of the Pareto exponent on the one hand and by exploring cities’ relative growth patterns and intradistribution mobility on the other, the paper shows that city growth dynamics follow a ‘hybrid’ pattern, where city size filters the effects of external shocks. City-size dynamics thus seem more complex than that predicted by random growth or endogenous growth theories. In the Balkan peninsula, during the 1981—2001 period, medium-sized city demographics have resisted external shocks due to conflicts, redrawing of national frontiers and institutional upheaval better than large conglomerations. However, this does not lead to convergence towards a steady city size.

Suggested Citation

  • Michel Dimou & Alexandra Schaffar, 2009. "Urban Hierarchies and City Growth in the Balkans," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 46(13), pages 2891-2906, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:46:y:2009:i:13:p:2891-2906
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098009344993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Huan Li & Yehua Dennis Wei & Yuemin Ning, 2016. "Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Urban Systems in China during Rapid Urbanization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Tarsha EASON & Ahjond S. GARMESTANI, 2012. "Cross-Scale Dynamics Of A Regional Urban System Through Time," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 36, pages 55-77.
    6. Alexandra SCHAFFAR & Sotiris PAVLEAS, 2014. "The Evolution Of The Greek Urban Centers: 1951-2011," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 39, pages 87-104.
    7. Josic Hrvoje & Bašić Maja, 2018. "Reconsidering Zipf’s law for regional development: The case of settlements and cities in Croatia," Miscellanea Geographica. Regional Studies on Development, Sciendo, vol. 22(1), pages 22-30, March.
    8. Oliveira, Gabriel Figueiredo de & Schaffar, Alexandra & Cariou, Pierre & Monios, Jason, 2021. "Convergence and growth traps in container ports," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 170-180.

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