Cities increasing taken on a global sheen, with London long regarded as a global city that stands distinct from the rest of the United Kingdom.  Despite this, accusations that multiculturalism has failed have been growing across Europe in recent years.

New research explores just how effective cities have been in fostering ethnic and racial inclusion, especially during periods of austerity and financial restraint by governments.  Such restraints have coincided with populist and nativist policies designed to put ‘native’ cultures first.

Despite this, projects such as the EU’s Eurocities are promoting the potential for cities to promote multiculturalism.  The project highlights work being done in cities across Europe to support the integration of different races and ethnicities.

Austere times

Part of the challenge faced by cities, however, is the declining budgets so many have faced since the financial crisis.  Declining budgets have often coincided with new responsibilities as governments strive to do more with less.  With growing pressure to spend this dwindling budget on natives as well, cities are in a tight spot when they wish to promote inclusion.

The research highlights two broad shifts that are underway.  The first of these is that there is a shift towards targeting individuals rather than groups with policies.  This could include things such as employability training or the provision of startup incubators.

The idea is to provide policies for all rather than create potential divisions or parallel societies.  They’re also policies that can often be done with less money as they can add an inclusive element to existing programs rather than launch independent initiatives.

There is also a sense that cities are trying to find pragmatic solutions to challenges that are highly charged politically.  These approaches strive to highlight the evidence behind them and best practices that have emerged as a result.  It’s an approach that attempts to take the controversy out of issues by referring to them in pragmatic ways.

Remaining hopeful

There are examples from across Europe of cities attempting to overcome anti-migrant legislation and hit back against austerity.  For instance, mayors in Italy have refused to comply with government orders to limit the rights of migrants.

Despite this, however, the twin challenges of austerity and nativism make it increasingly difficult to create an inclusive city, and requires a unique approach for cities to remain global and outward looking.  For instance, the paper argues that including inclusion into all policies rather than as distinct policies could be a sensible starting point.

The financial pressures cities operate under show little sign of abating, however, even with the reasonably strong economic picture over the past decade.  This, and the ongoing pressures of nativism can restrict the policy options available and make ensuring cities remain inclusive an ever greater challenge.  Hopefully it’s one they prove willing and able to overcome.