Cities Against Democratic Backsliding: Evidence from Europe and Beyond

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Enrico Antonio La Vina (University of California) Su Yun Woo (University of Twente)

Cities Against Democratic Backsliding

Name: Cities Against Democratic Backsliding
Price: 176.95 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781529250602

Evidence from Europe and Beyond

Enrico Antonio La Vina (University of California), Su Yun Woo (University of Twente), Ayda Eraydın (Middle East Technical University) , Ignazio Vinci (University of Palermo)

$176.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Bristol University Press
24 February 2026

Urban communities; Political structures: democracy; Regional government

As nationalist and populist movements gain traction worldwide, democracy faces growing threats. In many cases, large cities have emerged as strongholds of progressive and democratic values, pushing back against authoritarian pressures.

This timely book explores the evolving power struggle between cities and central governments, particularly in countries led by populist regimes. It examines key issues such as decentralisation, financial autonomy and participatory governance, showing how cities are leading the fight against democratic backsliding. As local governments become ""laboratories of democracy"", this collection highlights their crucial role in protecting civil liberties and fostering political engagement in an era of rising extremism.

Contributions by: Enrico Antonio La Vina (University of California), Su Yun Woo (University of Twente), Ayda Eraydın (Middle East Technical University), Ignazio Vinci (University of Palermo), Arturo Flores
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781529250602
ISBN 10: 1529250609
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 24 February 2026
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Further / Higher Education , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Marta Lackowska is Professor at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Warsaw. Le Anh Nguyen Long is Assistant Professor of Public Administration at the University of Twente. Wirginia Aksztejn is Research Assistant at the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Warsaw. Ivan Tosics is Managing Director of the Metropolitan Research Institute in Budapest.

Reviews for Cities Against Democratic Backsliding: Evidence from Europe and Beyond

“This is an indispensable and timely study of the growing dangers of democratic backsliding among western democracies, exploring the impact of populist radical right parties on the multi-level governance of cities.” José M. Magone, Berlin School of Economics and Law