Since the Second World War, the need to house a standing military necessitated expansion in nearly every aspect of the armed services. Moreover, legislation like the 1956 Interstate Highways Act, justified by its goal of making the US more defensible, enabled western metropolitan growth that spurred population and financial flows to the region. However, though many municipalities benefitted from increased military expenditures, conflicts regarding the military’s vision of the future and that of municipal leaders, elected officials, and residents often differed. These debates proved critical in shaping places like Hampton Roads, San Diego, and the Washington D.C metropolitan area engaging issues regarding class and racial discrimination to future economic development. In general, the panel should push discussions regarding these conflicts while analyzing their effects on local communities and metropolitan growth generally. Submissions need not focus on the cities mentioned but rather metropolitan areas where such debates and discussions are relevant.

If interested, please submit a 300 word abstract, a brief bio, CV, and contact info to ryanreft@gmail.com by Feb. 1, 2013.

Ryan Reft
UCSD 2014
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