PhD defence R. (Run) Zhao

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

In today’s world, many cities claim they want to be “inclusive”, welcoming to all people, regardless of background, wealth, or identity. International organizations and city leaders use the term to promote fairness, equality, and opportunity. But despite these good intentions, urban inequality and exclusion are still growing problems in many parts of the world.

This thesis explores why the promise of “inclusive cities” often falls short in practice. It takes a closer look at how inclusion is talked about, how it is promoted through city branding and rankings, and how actual policies are designed, implemented, and evaluated.

The research critically examines global city rankings that claim to measure inclusiveness, showing that these often reflect biases and create misleading images of progress. It also investigates how cities use “inclusion” in their branding, sometimes more for marketing than for real change. Through case studies of three European port cities: Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Gothenburg, the thesis reveals how political agendas, institutional limits, and lack of coordination can weaken inclusion efforts, even when cities appear committed on paper.

Ultimately, this thesis argues that building truly inclusive cities is not just about having the right words or policies. It requires aligning values, structures, and long-term political will. Inclusion must go beyond slogans to become a meaningful and sustained part of how cities are governed.