Continuities and ruptures in urban regimes in a context of variegated neoliberal deepening: Bilboko eta Bartzelonako kasuen azterketa

Abstract

This thesis presents a study on transformations in the urban regimes of Bilbao and Barcelona from the 1990s to the early 2020s. The research has two main blocks, one theoretical and the other analytical or empirical. First, we present a theoretical framework based on three themes: space, neoliberalism and urban governance. Following a deductive method, we close the circle of analysis through the theoretical tools offered by Critical Urban Theory, the Theory of Regulation and the Urban Regime Theory. Thus, we end this block with an analytical methodological proposal, which, by combining all the contributions and theoretical debates, will allow us to analyse the trajectories of the urban regimes mentioned. In this way, the second section is entirely dedicated to the empirical analysis of the selected case studies. We also offer some intermediate conclusions which, although appearing independently, complement the final conclusions and results. While the theoretical work supports the analytical framework we have used, the methodological work is also based on data obtained in different ways. On the one hand, by carrying out 37 in-depth interviews with actors who are key informants for this research, with similar profiles in both cities that havebeen carefully. On the other hand, we underline the compilation of data and information through the exhaustive review of documentation, not only academic or derived from journalistic sources, but also from official and institutional channels such as plans, projects, regulations or municipal ordinances approved and published throughout the years under study. Finally, we conclude by demonstrating how and why the continuities and ruptures that characterise the urban regimes of Bilbao and Barcelon occur. In accordance with the hypotheses and objectives of the research we show the results and the concluding remarks, which leave the door open to further researches in this field