Examining the governance of emerging urban regions in Vietnam: the case of the Red River Delta

Abstract

This essay investigates the process of urbanization in the Red River Delta (RRD) of Vietnam and critically assesses its governance. Focusing on recent periurban dynamics, it shows that the rapidly increasing scale of urbanization in the delta along with new forms of urban development and modes of real estate investment have contributed to outstrip Vietnam’s established planning approach. The analysis contrasts the country’s current socio-economic and spatial planning systems with everyday urbanization and governing practices that have emerged in parallel to it. The preeminent role of these practices, conceptualized as ‘actually existing urbanisms,’ is illustrated through a discussion of periurban land redevelopments conducted by business-state coalitions. The paper concludes by calling for a better understanding of the role played by such alternate regimes, not only in shaping the RRD’s urban growth, but also in constraining avenues to adapt its governance in the face of increasing urban scale and complexity.

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