Globalization and Integrated Area Development in European Cities

In this book the author seeks to rebut the somewhat fatalistic argumentthat socio-economic prosperity in the cities can only be achieved by theapplication of global market-led policies. He argues that urban society andpolicy makers do have sufficient freedom of action to make local decisions onthe economic and social development of deprived neighbourhoods. Drawing onevidence from six major European cities, he demonstrates that their 'IntegratedArea Development' strategies, which rely on grassroots democracy and theempowerment of local communities, can deliver a social, economic, and culturalrenaissance which better meets the needs of the local population than theimposition of the market-forces creed.

Frank Moulaert is Professor of Economics at the University of Science and Technology, Lille, France.