Historian Quinn Slobodian on the Global Spread of Dubai-Style Anti-Democratic Urbanism
By
Ben Dreith
A five-star bake. Worth schmearing, sharing, saving.
Summary
Historian Quinn Slobodian argues that Dubai-style urbanism is spreading globally, representing an anti-democratic model of city development that prioritizes corporate interests over public welfare. In this interview, he discusses how this approach creates segregated spaces, undermines democratic principles, and serves as a form of 'crack-up capitalism' where wealthy elites create private zones free from democratic oversight. Slobodian examines how this urban model influences architecture and city planning worldwide, creating environments designed for consumption rather than civic engagement.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledCities and architecture across the world are increasingly being influenced by the fundamentally anti-democratic principles of places like Dubai
The spread of Dubai-style urbanism is 'quite terrifying' according to academic Quinn Slobodian
This represents a form of 'crack-up capitalism' where market radicals dream of a world without democracy
Dubai serves as a model for creating private zones free from democratic oversight and public accountability
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