Conclusion

This chapter discusses the consequences of the territorial and associational forms of the governing cities in China and India. It analyzes why China's and India's approach have not been able to deliver a just and equitable urban growth. It looks into the territorial forms of governance in China that have created not only a deep cleavage between urban and rural areas, but also unprecedented levels of disparity across cities and towns throughout the country. The chapter also looks into the associational politics of India that has produced inequalities and caused the exclusion of citizens from particular alliances and partnerships. It emphasizes how China and India should move forward by adopting a model that can empower municipal-level urban authorities in order to preserve space for democratic deliberation.