EP129: The City That Forgot Its People: Lessons from Xiong'an New Area

Summary:In this episode, we offer a comprehensive analysis of Xiong'an New Area, a massive urban development project in China initiated by President Xi Jinping. Intended to alleviate Beijing's overcrowding and promote sustainable development, the project's ambitious goals included technological innovation and a model smart city. However, critics label Xiong'an a "ghost town" due to low population and economic activity, highlighting challenges stemming from top-down planning, cultural disconnect, and inefficiencies mirroring broader issues within the Chinese economy. We explore the project's financial investment, its current state, and its parallels with China's economic policies, ultimately examining Xiong'an as a case study in state-led development and its successes and failures. Ultimately, the sources debate whether Xiong'an represents a bold vision or a cautionary tale. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit geopoliticsunplugged.substack.com/subscribe