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A New Theoretical Framework for the Study of Urban Political Leadership

Peter Andreas Norn
Copenhagen Business School
Peter Andreas Norn
Copenhagen Business School

Abstract

Cities around the world are increasingly taking on a more strategic role as political players in a globalized economy. However, while political leadership is at the heart of this transformation, the new conditions for urban political leadership remain unclear. This article argues that in an era of unprecedented urbanization and increased competition the need to understand the role of political leadership in urban governance is greater than ever. The study of urban governance and political leadership has advanced as two separate academic literatures. This article explores the theoretical middle ground between the government / governance debate and political leadership theory. The article criticizes the governance literature for losing sight of the role of political leadership and builds a theoretical framework that allows for a more process oriented view that reinstates the political leadership as an important actor in the network. The article is based on an ongoing PhD study.