Since 2015, terrorism in Western European cities has become increasingly frequent and lethal, in attacks which deliberately target the sites and spaces which define key characteristics of each city. Scholarly attention has focused on terrorist psychology and geopolitical factors regarding terrorist networks, yet the urban nature and implications of terrorism have received limited consideration, particularly regarding how terrorism and counterterrorism shape the materiality of urban spaces and intersect with urban life.

To address these matters, this thesis examines the long-term effects of terrorism on cities, and the prospects for urban life in the face of recurrent terrorism. This is studied in the unique context of Western Europe, as Europe’s colonial histories and demographically diverse yet dense urban areas complicate the recent experience of Islamist and right-wing terrorism. Studying the period of terrorism which began in 2015 and ended abruptly in 2020 with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the thesis focuses specifically on Paris, London, and Manchester. These are relatively peaceful cities, characterised by diverse racial and religious communities and have strong local governance. However, they present distinct challenges in the terrorism context due to their urban form, national contexts, and unique socio-political histories.

The thesis begins with a contextual introduction, situating this research within architectural, geographical, and (geo)political scholarship. The second chapter addresses the specificities of European terrorism, while the third uses a historical and topographical analysis to highlight integral features of urban life in Paris, London, and Manchester. The fourth, fifth, and sixth chapters are structured around three interconnected responses to terrorism in urban spaces: securitisation, memorialisation, and community. Using data gathered through a mixed methodological approach, including site observation, architectural analysis, archival research, and field-based interviews, the thesis develops micro-level examples from across the three cities to uncover some of the less discernible risks and opportunities for urban life which arise from terrorism. By critically analysing thematic responses to terrorism, the thesis contributes to the understanding of how cities can enhance their capacity to respond to future urban terrorism.