New urban activisms in Spain: reclaiming public space in the face of crises

Abstract

This paper examines the case of Madrid with examples of mobilisation and transformative actions in public spaces of the city. It discusses how virtualisation of networks and spaces through ICTs (information and communication technologies) has contributed to new patterns of mobilisation and social networks among participants and supporters. Following sections will give an account of the transformation of political action in the real and virtual public space of Madrid and on the evolution of Spanish urban social movements in relation to these issues, and the role of new urban activists in the governance patterns of the neoliberal city in crises.