THE URBAN BATTLEGROUND. SECURING OPEN CITIES FROM RANDOM VIOLENCE
THE URBAN BATTLEGROUND. SECURING OPEN CITIES FROM RANDOM VIOLENCE

Summary/Abstract: European cities are facing an environment dominated by the presence of threats and their unexpected transformation into episodes of violence.Generating security and maintaining a level of trust in state institutions hasbecome a more challenging task. Security has grown more focused insecuring the domestic scene. Public safety is paramount for individuals andwhen public safety is contested, individuals usually respond with fear andmistrust.Securing the city means securing a way of life as the city is the mainembodiment of modernity, the primary source of progress and the home ofmost people in Western societies. Big cities like Paris, London or New Yorkrequire the permanent vigilance of a large security apparatus, focused onprevention and the reduction of risks.When citizens are forcibly turned into victims or powerless by-standers aprocess of reflection emerges. How can security be enhanced to avoid themodification of the lifestyle and to avoid curbing down appreciated freedomsin the West?

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