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Detroit, a thriving manufacturing city 50 years ago, is now bankrupt. ifmuth/Flickr, CC BY-ND

Detroit is in turmoil, officially bankrupt and home to some of America’s poorest citizens. But 50 years ago it was thriving, boasting a booming manufacturing sector and a steadily growing educated middle-class.

What happened? Dallas Rogers speaks with George Galster on the fallout from the decline of the automotive industry, and the glimmer of hope new urban projects offer this troubled city.

George Galster is a professor in the department of Urban Studies and Planning at Wayne State University and the author of Driving Detroit: The Quest for Respect in the Motor City.

Player Image: Flickr/ifmuth

Music: Free Music Archive/BLEO, Podington Bear, Jahzzar

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Dallas Rogers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.