Counter-conduct in divided cities – resisting urban planning practices in Jerusalem

Abstract

This article explores practices of counter-conduct in Jerusalem. Its aims are threefold: (1) to deepen understandings of how practices of counter-conduct relates to the structures it aims to subvert; (2) to probe how counter-conduct is expressed through subjectivities that undermine and bolster relationships in the conflict; (3) to further understandings of resistance against Jerusalem’s urban planning practices. The analytical framework builds on earlier analytical work on counter-conduct, related to the governmentality approach. In that way, the so far underdeveloped notion of resistance in peace and conflict studies is advanced and our knowledge of counter-conduct in divided cities is increased. This article shows that quite intense practices of counter-conduct against current spatial governmentality are taking place in Jerusalem. Small-scale reactive practices tend to succeed, whereas more innovative technologies have been inhibited. Moreover, the study indicates that the divisive dynamics of relationships in conflict trickles down to actors performing counter-conduct, creating antagonistic and destructive dynamics among them.