The Political Economy of City-Regions: Lessons Learnt for the Post-Conflict Recovery (original) (raw)

This article explores the political economy of city-regions and its implications for post-conflict recovery. It examines how cities, as centers of economic extraction and wealth accumulation, shape urban-rural dynamics, contributing to both civil unrest and peacebuilding. Through case studies from Sierra Leone, Liberia, India, Colombia, and Syria, the article highlights the role of urban centrality in conflict and recovery. Key recommendations include decentralizing governance, fostering urban-rural connectivity, and reconfiguring value chains to support inclusive and sustainable development. By addressing these local dynamics, the article argues for a nuanced approach to post-conflict recovery that goes beyond traditional top-down political solutions.