Urban boosterism in closed contexts : spectacular urbanization and second-tier mega-events in three Caspian capitals
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Valiyev, Anar
Koch, Natalie
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of urban boosterism in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and
Turkmenistan – three resource-rich states around the Caspian Sea. Boosterist projects
are typically justified through the injunction of, “build it and they will come.” This
cliché is a staple of how urban planners and elites seek to justify development
schemes that lack an obvious demand. And while the logic underpinning urban
boosterism hinges on a high degree of openness and freedom of movement – both
for capital and people – it is a tactic increasingly being used in closed and otherwise
illiberal states. Understanding the effects of this development is an important task as
a growing number of urban planners in nondemocratic but resource-rich countries
seek to develop spectacular new urban landscapes and position their cities as “world
class” hubs for international mega-events – even if these are smaller, second-tier
events. Exploring event-oriented urban development in Astana, Ashgabat, and Baku,
we show how boosterist narratives are being re-deployed in closed contexts to
promote the image of a benevolent and “magical state,” as well as solidifying authoritarian political configurations and a selective engagement with market capitalism.
Turkmenistan – three resource-rich states around the Caspian Sea. Boosterist projects
are typically justified through the injunction of, “build it and they will come.” This
cliché is a staple of how urban planners and elites seek to justify development
schemes that lack an obvious demand. And while the logic underpinning urban
boosterism hinges on a high degree of openness and freedom of movement – both
for capital and people – it is a tactic increasingly being used in closed and otherwise
illiberal states. Understanding the effects of this development is an important task as
a growing number of urban planners in nondemocratic but resource-rich countries
seek to develop spectacular new urban landscapes and position their cities as “world
class” hubs for international mega-events – even if these are smaller, second-tier
events. Exploring event-oriented urban development in Astana, Ashgabat, and Baku,
we show how boosterist narratives are being re-deployed in closed contexts to
promote the image of a benevolent and “magical state,” as well as solidifying authoritarian political configurations and a selective engagement with market capitalism.