Routledge Urban Growth in Emerging Economies: Lessons from the BRICS

Along with globalization, urban transitions have been central in the southward shift in economic power towards the newly emerging economies. As this book shows, however, these transitions have not been painless, and it is important for the rest of the urbanizing world to learn from the mistakes. It examines the role of urbanization and urban growth in the emerging economies, taking the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as case studies. Their different approaches towards urbanization have shaped their historical development paths and assisted or constrained their futures. Several of the BRICS bear heavy burdens from past failures to accommodate urban growth inclusively and efficiently, and many other urbanizing countries in Asia and Africa are in danger of replicating their mistakes. The overriding lesson of the book is that cities and nations must anticipate urbanization, and accommodate urban growth pro-actively, so as not to be left with an enduring legacy of inequalities and lost opportunities. This book is aimed at students and researchers in urban studies and development studies. It will also be of interest to policy advisors concerned with urbanization and the role of cities in a country’s development Review This book by internationally renowned scholars provides a rigorous overview of the urbanisation trajectories of the BRICS, and how these trajectories are shaping future prospects. It will not only assist the BRICS but also help other urbanising countries work out their urbanisation pathways, and to critically re-examine their own policies. –Girija Vyas, Indian Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Carefully avoiding urban boosterism, while making clear that that the power of emergent nations lies in their cities, the editors bring together well focussed and authoritative contributions to offer nuanced and comparative reflection on why and how the urban transitions taking place across the BRICS lie at the heart of contemporary global policy debates. –Susan Parnell, University of Cape Town, South Africa Despite the talk of rising cities, capitalist globalization is subordinating them and privileging investors over actual and aspiring citizens. Drawing on the experience of the BRICS, this book demonstrates how urban land is often the source of conflict, and that new approaches to urbanization are required to help achieve needed social and environmental reforms. –Erminia Maricato, University of São Paulo, Brazil About the Author Gordon McGranahan is Principal Researcher and Co-Head of the Human Settlements Group, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), UK. George Martine is Technical Director of Dhemos Consulting. He previously served as President of the Brazilian Population Association, Director of UNFPA’s Country Support Team for Latin America, and was Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Center for Population and Development.