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Rethinking urban power and the local state: Hegemony, domination and resistance in neoliberal cities

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  • Jonathan Davies

Abstract

Foucauldian and neo-Gramscian approaches enjoy considerable influence in research on the mutations of neoliberal governance in cities. However, both are prone to treating coercion as the antithesis of power, leading them to downplay the coercive modalities of neoliberalism. This paper applies the Gramscian theory of the integral state to correct the bias towards non-coercive power. The integral state rejects the power–violence dualism, depicting coercive and non-coercive modalities of power and counter-power as inhering in capitalist political economy. The paper argues that studying neoliberalism from the perspective of the integral state contributes to explaining the intractability of coercion in the governance system and in particular the coercive power of the local state. It concludes by reflecting on the implications of this perspective for political action, arguing for a resolutely critical and conflictual stance.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Davies, 2014. "Rethinking urban power and the local state: Hegemony, domination and resistance in neoliberal cities," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 51(15), pages 3215-3232, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:51:y:2014:i:15:p:3215-3232
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098013505158
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Medearis, John, 2005. "Social Movements and Deliberative Democratic Theory," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 35(1), pages 53-75, January.
    2. Jonathan S Davies, 2012. "Network Governance Theory: A Gramscian Critique," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 44(11), pages 2687-2704, November.
    3. Jonathan S. Davies, 2007. "The Limits of Partnership: An Exit‐Action Strategy for Local Democratic Inclusion," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 55(4), pages 779-800, December.
    4. Jonathan S. Davies, 2007. "The Limits of Partnership: An Exit-Action Strategy for Local Democratic Inclusion," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 55, pages 779-800, December.
    5. Elizabeth Frazer & Kimberly Hutchings, 2011. "Virtuous Violence and the Politics of Statecraft in Machiavelli, Clausewitz and Weber," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 59(1), pages 56-73, March.
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