Anglo-American cities face economic decline, social polarisation and racial conflict. Their fate is increasingly decided by the global actions of transnational corporations and market forces. Community groups find it difficult to gain access to the political system. Ethnic minorities strive for empowerment while indebted city governments battle to maintain basic services. Such is the urban crisis of the 1990s. Fractured Cities describes the political economy of urban change and explores the future of the city.

Brian D. Jacobs

Preface Introduction 1. Perspectives 2. The Role of the State 3. Urban America: High Technology and Poverty 4. Urban Britain: Enterprise and Underclass 5. Local Government and Urban Policy in the United States 6. Local Government and Urban Policy in Britain 7. Incorporating Community Politics 8. Minorities: Empowerment and Dissent 9. Corporate Visions 10. Initiatives Beyond Charity 11. Whither the City