Episode 3: CITIES & AUTHORITARIANISM (+ addressing urban air pollution, + cities and the UK asylum crisis, and more) Artwork

Urban Radar

Urban Radar is a podcast series brought to you by Sheffield Urbanism, which reflects on current events and emerging trends through the lens of cities and urban life. Drawing on the unique range of expertise in the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Sheffield, UK, we place urban dynamics at the centre of contemporary global affairs.

Sheffield Urbanism is a joint initiative led by the Urban Institute and School of Geography & Planning at the University of Sheffield.

Credits:

Podcast production, presentation & editing: Tom Goodfellow & Beth Perry

Post-production editing & marketing: Polly Clifton

Production support: Jack Clayton

Distribution, promotion & marketing: Riya Singh & Vicky Simpson

Music: Horizon (music by Tom Goodfellow, produced by Alan Thomson); Falling Down (music by Tom Goodfellow, performed by the Dice, produced by Alan Thomson); Ghosts (music by the Dice; produced by Alan Thompson); Kilimanjaro (music by Tom Goodfellow, produced by Alan Thompson).

Supported by the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Sheffield

Thanks to the Creative Media Suite at University of Sheffield.

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Urban Radar

Episode 3: CITIES & AUTHORITARIANISM (+ addressing urban air pollution, + cities and the UK asylum crisis, and more)

March 26, 2025 • Sheffield Urbanism

This month’s special feature focuses on the rise of authoritarianism in cities (34:48). What are the strategies and tactics that authoritarian regimes might use to control their capital cities? Beth and Tom are joined by David Jackman to discuss the insights provided in his edited book with Tom, as well as a discussion of urban political dynamics in Bangladesh - the subject of David's other new book.

With Miguel Kanai and Hannah Lewis, they dive into urban interventions to address air pollution (13:17) and discuss the UK’s hostile asylum regime and how Cities of Sanctuary can help (22:59).

Also on our radar (2:51):

Looming war in the Horn of Africa, and the role of cities and towns
AI facial scanning technologies in Sheffield, and its potential risks
Student protests in Serbia and their link to major urban investments
The challenges of urban infrastructure - from water shortages to potholes in Johannesburg and UK cities

Tune in now for a jam-packed informative episode brought to you by Sheffield Urbanism.

Guests:

Miguel Kanai is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Geography and Planning. His work examines the urbanisation of the world under contemporary globalised capitalism and implications for communities in the Global South.

Hannah Lewis is a Senior Lecturer in Sociological Studies. Her recent work has explored how the social and legal status of migrants can create lasting insecurities and vulnerabilities to poverty and social exclusion.

David Jackman is a Lecturer in Development Studies at the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID). His recent book ‘Syndicates and Societies’ explores life in Kawran Bazar, in Dhaka, and offers a new approach to understanding the nexus of urban life, crime and politics.

Faith, bordering and modern slavery: A UK case study

Controlling the Capital: Political Dominance in the Urbanizing World

Syndicates and Societies: Criminal Politics in Dhaka

Hosts:

Tom Goodfellow is Professor of Urban Studies and International Development in the School of Geography and Planning at the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on the political economy of urban development and change in Africa, particularly the politics of urban land and transportation, conflicts around infrastructure and housing, and urban institutional change.

Beth Perry is Professor of Urban Epistemics and Director of the Urban Institute at the University of Sheffield. Her research focuses on the relationships between urban expertise, governance and justice, underpinned by a commitment to co-producing collective intelligence across multiple scales to address complex urban challenges. She has worked in cities in Africa, Europe and the UK.

If you want to know more about the research featured in this podcast, follow Sheffield Urbanism on LinkedIn, or bluesky, Instagram or visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/urban-institute

Email feedback to: UrbanRadar-group@sheffield.ac.uk

Thanks to the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Sheffield for funding this podcast and the Creative Media Suite for recording facilities.