Military Urbanism and Urban Studies

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture on military urbanism, urban studies, and related socio-political themes.

Military Urbanism

Integration of military strategies into urban life, including tracking, identification, and targeting.

Insurgency

A rebellion or uprising against an established government or authority, usually involving armed resistance.

Military Doctrine

A shift in military strategy focusing on global insurgencies rather than traditional state-to-state combat.

Synergy

Collaboration between foreign military and domestic security forces.

Political Economy of Military Urbanism

The emergence of a security and military-industry complex as a central feature of 21st-century capitalism.

War on Drugs

A campaign led by the U.S. government aimed at reducing illegal drug trade.

War on Terror

A global military campaign launched by the United States following the September 11 attacks.

Cyber-terrorism

Criminal activities carried out via the internet aimed at causing harm or intimidation.

Urban Infrastructure as a Target

Military-focused attacks targeting urban infrastructures, including communication grids and transportation systems.

Biometric Surveillance

Using biometric data like fingerprints and facial recognition for identification and surveillance.

Racialization

The process of attributing racial identities to social or political contexts, often in ways that propagate inequality.

Electricity Lines

Critical infrastructure vulnerable to military and terrorist attacks.

Migrant Detention Centers

Facilities used to hold individuals awaiting legal immigration procedures, often criticized for human rights violations.

Hardening of Borders

Implementation of strict measures and policies to control entry and exit across national boundaries.

The Boomerang Effect

Application of colonial militarization strategies in domestic contexts.

Militarized Planning

Urban planning initiatives that prioritize military considerations and security measures.

GILEE Program

Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange program designed to enhance domestic security through international cooperation.

Moral Panic

Exaggerated public reaction concerning societal behavior that incites alarm, often leading to increased racial tensions.

Forensic Architecture

An investigative practice focused on human rights abuses through advanced analytical techniques.

Right to the City

A political concept advocating for the rights of urban inhabitants to access, use, and alter urban spaces.

Urban Entrepreneurialism

The commodification of urban space and resources driven by market-based approaches.

Collective Rights

Rights that pertain to groups, including labor and social rights.

Decolonizing Land

The perspective that challenges the view of land as mere property, advocating for indigenous rights and practices.

Case Study: Sir George Williams University Occupation

History's largest student occupation in Canada, protesting systemic racism against Black students.

1970s Moral Panic

Public outcry in the UK over mugging that intensified racial animosity towards Black communities.

Resistance to Military Urbanism

Efforts to combat militarization in urban spaces through grassroots activism and advocacy.

Housing Density

The measure of people living per unit area in residential developments.

Edge Cities

Suburban developments that emerge as business, retail, and entertainment hubs distinct from traditional urban cores.

Exopolis

New urban centers defined as ‘ex’ indicating outside the city bringing new structures and landuse patterns.

Smart Growth

Urban planning strategy promoting development within existing urban areas to combat sprawl.

Densification

The process of increasing the population density within existing urban environments.

Political Tensions in Post-suburbia

Conflicting pressures between growth and sustainable urban development.

Transnational Black Radicalism

A movement connecting Black activists and intellectuals globally advocating for anti-imperialism and self-determination.

Commodification of Urban Space

The transformation of urban areas into commodities for capital gain.

Corporate Dominance in Planning

The influence of private corporations over urban planning and development processes.

Inter-Municipal Competition

Struggles between adjacent municipalities for resources and residents.

CCTV

Closed-circuit television; used for surveillance and legitimizing urban militarization.

GPS Technology

Global Positioning System; originally developed for military use and now widely used in civilian applications.

Public Space Claims

Legal or social claims about the right to access and utilize shared urban areas.

Urban Isolation

The physical and social separation of certain urban areas, often due to economic or political factors.

Geographical Border Definition

Concept of borders as structures defined by legal agreements and institutional frameworks.

Densification Motives

Political and economic justifications for increasing urban density.

Public Apology for Racism

Formal acknowledgment and expression of regret by institutions for historical injustices against marginalized communities.

Labor Rights Advocacy

Efforts aimed at promoting and securing fair and just treatment for workers.

Cultural Activism

Using cultural means to challenge dominant social norms and advocate for change.

Public Housing Conflict

Disputes surrounding the provision and management of affordable housing within urban areas.