Politics, Space, and Power: A Review of the Conceptual and Practical Intersections of Political Science and Urban Planning in the Governance of Urban Spaces

This review article explores the multifaceted intersections between political science and urban planning, with a particular emphasis on how power dynamics, governance structures, and political ideologies influence the organization, development, and experience of urban space. Urban environments are not merely the product of architectural or engineering expertise; they are shaped by political decisions that determine who benefits from urban development and who is excluded. Drawing on key theoretical contributions from scholars such as Henri Lefebvre, Michel Foucault, and David Harvey, this study examines how space functions as both a medium and a product of political processes. Central to this review are concepts like spatial justice, participatory planning, urban governance, and the 'right to the city,' which offer a framework for understanding how equity, inclusion, and democratic participation can or often fail to inform urban development. The article also highlights the role of political institutions, civil society, and private interests in shaping planning outcomes, showing how conflicts over space reflect broader struggles over resources, identity, and representation. Through the analysis of diverse global case studies, this review demonstrates how cities function as arenas of negotiation, contestation, and transformation. From participatory budgeting experiments in Latin America to the impacts of neoliberal urban policy in North America and Europe, the article provides insights into how theory and practice intersect in real-world urban governance. By synthesizing perspectives from both political science and urban planning, this article aims to contribute to a more integrated and politically conscious understanding of how cities are planned, governed, and experienced.

کلیدواژه ها:

Urban Governance ، Spatial Justice ، Political Power ، Urban Planning ، Right to the City