Abstract

PORRAS SANCHEZ, Francisco Javier. Governance and Urban Regime: Beyond the Light Switch Approach. Polis [online]. 2021, vol.17, n.2, pp.11-37.  Epub Mar 07, 2022. ISSN 2594-0686.  https://doi.org/10.24275/uam/izt/dcsh/polis/2021v17n2/porras.

In recent years, the academic literatures of governance and the Theories of Urban Regime (TUR) have consolidated into important references in the interest renewal for the local. Both make proposals with distinct theoretical and empirical assumptions and, although with substantial differences, they share some fundamental problems (the «explanatory motor», the local economic elites and coalitions, the irresistible or convincing urban agenda, and the problem of measuring, among others). The article argues that their consideration confirms the convenience of using an analytical approach rather than one that is merely normative. This focus, particularly evident in recent developments of governance literature, is useful for furthering a tur research agenda beyond the usual concern for proving the regimes’ existence in contexts other than American ones.

Keywords : Theories of Urban Regimes; governance theories; urban agenda; economic elites; measuring.