While many experts consider economic development to be the dominant factor influencing urban politics, Bruce F. Berg, Ph.D., argues that two other forces – the city’s relationships with the state and federal governments, and its racial and ethnic diversity — are equally important. Berg, chair of Fordham’s political science department, makes his case in his new book, New York City Politics: Governing Gotham (Rutgers University Press, 2007), the first comprehensive analysis of New York City’s political system in four decades.
“Economic development, race and ethnicity, and intergovernmental relations dominate urban politics everywhere in this country,” he said. “The best example of where all of these elements come together is right here in New York City.”
The book covers a range of topics that span the last three mayoral administrations and include: the battles over sports arenas; party politics; rising immigrant groups and the role of their leaders; changes to the city’s charter; and New York City politics in the post-9/11 era.
