Xuefei Ren, Governing the Urban in China and India: Land Grabs, Slum Clearance, and the War on Air Pollution

Xuefei Ren's article delves into the complexities of urban governance in China and India, focusing on critical issues such as land grabs, slum clearance, and air pollution. By comparing the territorial logic of Chinese urban politics with the associational logic of India's, Ren offers a fresh perspective on how these two largest countries manage their urban areas. The article begins with a vivid vignette of local officials in Guangzhou, highlighting the unique challenges faced in urban villages. It then explores how both countries define and practice urban governance, showcasing intriguing differences and similarities. The main empirical chapters analyze well-known cases, such as the land grabs in Wukan and Singur, and the air pollution battles in Beijing and Delhi. Ren argues that understanding the political differences between China and India is crucial for grasping their urban governance strategies. However, the article also cautions against generalizing from exceptional cases. Overall, the article serves as a valuable resource for scholars seeking to understand the currents shaping Chinese and Indian urbanism.