Urban Security in an Increasingly Urbanized World
The world is experiencing rapid urbanization. By 2070, it is projected that 60% of the global population will reside in cities. This population shift presents significant challenges for urban security, encompassing a spectrum of concerns ranging from high-intensity crime to large-scale combat operations.
This blog post, drawing upon Chapter 1 of "Urban Operations," explores the evolving landscape of urban security in the 21st century.
Urban Operations: War, Crime, and Conflict by Eds. Sullivan, Jones, and Weisz Argomedo,
Boulder: Colorado, KeyPoint Press, 2024
The Rise of Urban Conflict
As cities grow in size and importance, they become strategically significant "commons" where various actors compete for power and profit. This competition can manifest in different forms of urban conflict, including:
Riots and Disorder: Civil unrest and public disturbances pose immediate threats to urban security.
Terrorism: Urban centers are attractive targets for terrorists due to their high population density and symbolic value.
Insurgencies: Urban environments offer advantages to insurgents, providing cover, resources, and access to populations.
Hybrid Warfare: Cities are complex environments where state and non-state actors can employ conventional and unconventional tactics.
Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO): The rise of megacities increases the likelihood of major military engagements in urban areas.
Challenges for Urban Security
Several factors contribute to the complexity of urban security:
Contested Authority: Many urban environments, particularly in developing countries, experience weak state control and the presence of alternative authority structures such as warlords, gangs, and militias.
Population Density: The concentration of people in urban areas increases the potential for casualties and collateral damage during conflicts.
Complex Terrain: Urban infrastructure, including high-rise buildings, underground networks, and dense street layouts, presents challenges for military operations and law enforcement.
Criminal Armed Groups: Sophisticated organized crime groups, increasingly referred to as Criminal Armed Groups (CAGs) in the literature, are driving urban violence in countries like Mexico.
Strategic Considerations for Urban Operations
Intelligence: Understanding the urban environment and the motivations and capabilities of various actors is crucial. "Intelligence preparation of the battlefield" (IPB) is vital for anticipating enemy actions and planning effective responses.
Civil Affairs: Protecting civilians and maintaining essential services during urban conflicts is paramount. Lessons from historical cases, such as the Canadian Army's Civil Affairs operations in Antwerp during World War II, highlight the importance of planning for the restoration of civilian infrastructure.
Interagency Cooperation: Effective urban security requires coordination between various government agencies, including law enforcement, intelligence, and emergency response services. The Boston Marathon bombing highlighted communication and coordination challenges that need to be addressed.
Ethical Considerations: The use of surveillance technologies, such as wide-area motion imagery (WAMI), raises concerns about privacy and the potential for discrimination.
The Future of Urban Warfare
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine provides a stark reminder of the destructive nature of urban warfare. The defense of Ukrainian cities highlights the importance of adaptable tactics and the role of urban defenders.
Experts predict an increase in urban violence in the future due to:
Continued population growth
The expansion of coastal cities vulnerable to climate change
The rise of feral cities where state control is absent.
The growing interconnectedness of cities through globalization facilitates the formation of networks between criminal organizations, further complicating urban security efforts.
Conclusion
Urban security is a pressing concern in an increasingly urbanized world. Understanding the complexities of urban environments, the dynamics of conflict, and the ethical implications of security measures is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the safety and well-being of urban populations.
Urban Operations now available
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