David Harvey analyzes changes in the global economy since 1972 and the role of cities in contemporary globalization. He argues that countries have shifted away from Keynesian social welfare policies and Fordist production towards developing global production models and outsourcing. This new system of "flexible accumulation" relies on cities playing key roles like fostering inter-urban competition, fueling consumption, and creating spectacles. Saskia Sassen also examines how globalization impacts nation-states and the increased importance of cities, arguing they have become "technologies of war" central to larger debates around urbanization and global integration.
2. David Harvey: Flexible Accumulation
through Urbanization
I. Review basics of Marxist theory of capitalism
II. Think about the changes in the economy
since 1972
III. Analyze the role of the city in contemporary
globalization
3. I. Marxism 101
● proletariat &
bourgeoisie
● commodity
● use value &
surplus value
● labor power
● mass production
● accumulation
● competition
● falling profit rate
● crisis
● consumption & social reproduction
4. II. U.S. Economy post-1972
● Shift away from Keynesianism (aka social
welfare state policies)
● Shift away from Fordist production model
● Development of global production models
and outsourcing (multinationals)
● Rise of domestic knowledge/service
economies
Harvey puts these changes together and calls it
"flexible accumulation"
5. III. Cities in Flexible Accumulation
What roles do cities play, according to Harvey?
6. III. Cities in Flexible Accumulation
What roles do cities play, according to Harvey?
● inter-urban competition
● consumption
● spectacle
7. Saskia Sassen: Cities, Politics, War
● What are the impacts of globalization on the nation-
state?
● Why and how does the scale of the city become
important?
● What does it mean for the city to be a technology of
war, and how does this fit with Sassen's larger
arguments about cities and globalization?
