In this book, James C. Scott examines the failures of centrally managed social plans and the destructive consequences of high-modernist ideologies. Scott argues that states often impose simplistic visions on complex societies, ignoring local, practical knowledge and leading to disastrous outcomes. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, high-modernist ideology, authoritarian state power, and a prostrate civil society. The book critiques various utopian projects, including collective farms, compulsory villagization, and urban planning, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that respects local diversity and practical knowledge.
Published in 1961, 'The Death and Life of Great American Cities' is a seminal work by Jane Jacobs that critiques the urban planning policies of the 1950s. Jacobs argues against the modernist urban renewal practices that separated uses and led to the decline of city neighborhoods. She advocates for dense, mixed-use development, walkable streets, and the importance of 'eyes on the street' to maintain public order. The book emphasizes the complexity of urban life and the need for planning that prioritizes the needs and experiences of residents. Jacobs uses her own neighborhood, Greenwich Village, as a model for a healthy and vibrant urban environment, contrasting it with the urban renewal projects championed by figures like Robert Moses[2][3][5].
In this book, Alain Bertaud challenges traditional urban planning paradigms by advocating for a market-driven approach. He argues that cities function best when market forces guide their development rather than top-down planning. Bertaud emphasizes the importance of mobility and affordability, critiques restrictive zoning laws, and suggests that urban planners should act as facilitators providing infrastructure and policy frameworks to support market operations. The book integrates empirical evidence with theoretical insights, highlighting the role of housing markets in shaping urban landscapes and advocating for flexible land use policies to adapt to population growth and economic changes.
This week on Hafta, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande, Raman Kirpal, Jayashree Arunachalam and Anand Vardhan are joined by writer and podcaster Amit Varma.
The panel first discusses pre-Holi communal concerns, including a Sambhal cop saying Muslims should stay inside this Holi if they don’t want to be smeared with colour. Jayashree says communal provocations during Holi have become normal: “We have this delusional idea of Hindus and Muslims holding hands and celebrating Holi. But that is not the country we live in now.”
Anand explains the history of Bhojpuri Holi songs and the evolution of vulgarity. “The sexualised space has been taken into account by the pop music industry for its titillation value…These songs were not always vulgar, some even represented female desire.”
The panel then moves on to the controversies around the recently concluded Champions Trophy. Abhinandan says, “There was nothing offensive about the Indian team not wanting to go to Pakistan due to security issues. Look at what has happened with the Balochistan train hijack this week.”
Amit explains the tariff wars with the US: “Of all that Trump is doing, tariffs are the most bizarre. They are a disaster, period, and this has been the economic consensus for the last 200 years.”
This and a lot more. Tune in!
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Timecodes
00:00:00 – Introductions and announcements
00:03:22 – Headlines
00:19:33 - Holi and communal narratives
00:26:41 - Holi and vulgar songs
00:42:52 - Introduction to tariff wars
00:45:37 - Champions Trophy and cricket controversies
01:01:08 - Tariff wars
01:39:38 - Amit’s recommendations
01:42:17 - Panel recommendations
Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters
Produced and recorded by Priyali Dhingra, Hassan Bilal and Anil Kumar.
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