ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the extent to which powerful groupings or individuals have sought to control the security discourse that is becoming increasingly influential in urban affairs. It focuses upon recent accounts of the fortification of the urban landscape as a result of such a powerful pro-security discourse. The capacity of institutions to react and adapt to change is built up in a set of particular circumstances, often related to 'threats' or 'prizes' and characterised by a strong local political leadership. In Los Angeles, the social and physical fragmentation of the city is often shown to be very pronounced, and which, according to certain commentators could set a precedent for what it is commonly termed 'postmodern urbanism'. The fortification approach is often complemented by enhanced surveillance, in particular from closed circuit television, which it is argued can deter crime from areas in which it operates.
