Cities and Regions in Crisis

‘Cities and Regions in Crisis presents a rich and insightful analysis of urban and regional governance in England. Jones has rather successfully curated a body of work that not only documents, but also questions the notion of crises in the context of uneven development and, more specifically, in left behind places. It manages to be both comprehensive and inclusive, thoroughly researched and accessible, and highly theorized and policy relevant. It should be recognized as an important contribution to the fields of critical economic and political geographies, at what is ostensibly a defining moment for subnational economic development.’ -- Margaret Cowell, Spatial Research and Planning
‘Jones provides us with a range and depth of theoretical foundations, arguments and empirics that gives the reader a variety of insights into the critiques of the economic policy in neoliberalism. The book memorably shows us that 'the need for new spatial frameworks and ways of coupling governance with regulation to hold down the global and ensure some level of social cohesion via applying the brakes on combined and uneven development has never been so urgent'. It provides not only with several highly relevant critical perspectives on the praxis within academia and in the public sphere in framing and managing the local, but it also offers a foundation of critique of neoliberal economic policy, discourses and place-making. Its application of theory in research and able linkage between theory and practical, concrete, ideas about government at the local level gives the reader not only the critical perspective but an idea of what can be done. This is a relevant book for any researcher or policymaker that grapples the linkage between institutional arrangements, governance, the changing contours of the economy, and the consequent effect on uneven development, resentment, and inequalities.’ -- Andreas Erlström, Eurasian Geography and Economics
‘The book is a contribution to inter-disciplinary geographical political economy of cities and regions. Though based on England’s experience, the book is of general relevance and applicability across countries including India. It is a useful reference book for students, teachers, researchers, practitioners and policy makers who deal with multi-dimensional and comparative urban and regional economic governance and development issues in different countries and institutional set ups. The long list of references compressed in 48 pages at the end of the book is a fine source of comprehensive literature for both early and senior researchers in urban and regional development studies.’ -- M.R. Narayana, Aarthika Charche
‘As Jones’ excellent study demonstrates, the last 30 odd years does not bode well, and without a challenge to the so-called ‘common sense’ of economic development, we will remain ensnared in the political and economy contradictions of neoliberalism. Exposing and challenging these contradictions, Cities and Regions in Crisis is essential reading for all scholars of the local state.’ -- Steven Griggs, Local Government Studies
‘In Cities and Regions in Crisis, Jones achieves a synthesis of the literature critiquing neoliberal economic policy and space, and consolidates accounts of institutional changes and policy responses addressing the local effects of uneven development in the UK. His theoretical contributions are noteworthy, having been amongst the core group of scholars to challenge the neoliberal paradigm of development and carry associated ideas into the mainstream. His cases provide clear examples for applying theory in research. It is important for researchers and policy-makers to build upon the body of case research and to provide evidence that can be used to prevent the same failed policy responses from being repeated. For that, this book serves as a useful resource.’ -- Bradley Loewen, Regional Studies
‘This book is a remarkable and often inspirational tour de force. Martin Jones confidently moves between theories of political economy and stories of regional and urban policy, using each to inform the other. He brings the uneven geographies of England to life, showing how they are reproduced in practice, while also offering the prospect of alternative futures.’ -- Allan Cochrane, The Open University, UK
'Martin Jones is a critical economic and political geographer. This well-integrated monograph presents his radical, theoretically-informed, spatio-temporally nuanced, evidence-based research on cities and regions. While policy-relevant, it explains the many reasons why urban and regional policy-makers more often fail than succeed in delivering their changing projects. It deserves serious study.'
--Bob Jessop, Lancaster University, UK
'They say that crises are never really solved, only moved around. No one knows this better than Martin Jones, who for two decades has been one of the most astute, creative, and determined chroniclers of the churning ''system'' of urban and regional governance in England.'
--Jamie Peck, University of British Columbia, Canada
'In Cities and Regions in Crisis, Martin Jones has crafted a rich and grounded geographical political economy. Consolidating and integrating a deep and important body of work, he provides insightful analysis of urban and regional governance in England and extends this to reflect upon more progressive future directions. It offers much to inspire and inform research on the rolling predicament of governing uneven geographical development beyond its empirical focus.'
--Andy Pike, Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS), Newcastle University, UK