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Neoliberalism and Hindutva in the Making of an Indian Smart City

Neoliberalism and Hindutva in the Making of an Indian Smart City

Neoliberalism and Hindutva in the Making of an Indian Smart City

Rakib Akhtar, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
June 2025
Available
Hardback
9781009605496

    This book studies the intersection of neoliberalism and right-wing Hindu nationalism through smart city projects which are often advertised as solutions for sustainable development. Globally, the rise of right-wing nationalism has progressively shaped urbanization projects, also furthering political agendas. The book demonstrates how state institutions are both influenced by and contribute to the intricate linkages between these two ideologies at various levels of government. It shows how neoliberalism and Hindutva support each other, strengthening both ideologies within the state and society. The book highlights the disagreements between the ideologies' foundational principles and their practical applications, showcasing the strategic maneuvers that help these ideologies gain traction within political and governmental institutions. By investigating these dynamics, the book offers understandings into the intricacies of modern governance shaped by neoliberalism and nationalism.

    • Shows new financial logics to the propagation of right-wing populism
    • Uncovers the gap between neoliberal and Hindutva principles and real-world applications

    Product details

    June 2025
    Hardback
    9781009605496
    200 pages
    229 × 152 × 16 mm
    0.406kg
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • List of Tables and Figures
    • Acknowledgements
    • List of Abbreviations
    • 1. Smart Cities: The Urban Panacea
    • 2. The 'Actually Existing State'
    • 3. The Gujarat Model of 'Unequal' Development
    • 4. Development Neither Reaches Us Nor Leaves Us
    • 5. Mimicking the State
    • 6. The Entrepreneurial Shadow State
    • 7. Protests, Neoliberalism and Hindutva amongst Farmers
    • 8. Conclusion: A Peek into the Gloomy Future
    • References
    • Index.
      Author
    • Rakib Akhtar , University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

      Rakib Akhtar is Lecturer in Urban Planning at the University of Birmingham. His research focus is on technology-oriented urbanisation, infrastructure development and their interconnection with right-wing nationalism. He is a chartered Architect and a Town Planner with extensive knowledge and practical experiences across countries.