ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the encroachment of conflict dynamics in Medellin, Colombia, and Karachi, Pakistan, over the second half of the twentieth century. Rapid urban growth in the developing world has become a source of vulnerability and a key driver in the perpetration of armed conflict. Regions already struggling with poverty, weak political institutions and conflict have been further destabilised by the growing demands and social complexity stemming from sprawling urban areas. Cities have also come to play a key role in armed conflict, supporting non-state armed groups in achieving political and economic goals beyond battle field victories. Cities also provide opportunities for armed groups from outside the urban area to secure finance by working with criminal organisations, raise recruits from marginalised populations or hide from government operations in rural areas. The port city of Karachi is Pakistan’s largest agglomeration as well as its financial and industrial heart.
