Assembling plateau urbanism through special economic zones evidence from the Tibetan Plateau, China

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of urbanization dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau through the lens of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), addressing a research gap in the understanding of urbanism in highland and global south contexts. Given the current surge of assembly-based thinking within urban scholarship, we employ an assemblage framework to comprehend the heterogeneous constitution of urbanization, integrating human and non-human components, as well as socio-material, political, and spatial governances. Through a meticulous examination of three comprehensive case studies from the Tibetan Plateau SEZs, including a state-led new town, a renewable energy-driven industrial zone, and an industrial enclave, we delineate the diverse forms of plateau urbanism. Our findings underscore the imperative for contextually tailored urban development strategies that consider the distinctive geographical, ecological, and socio-political conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. It emphasizes the need for adaptive governance and planning that can address infrastructure deficiencies, environmental constraints, and the integration of local communities. Furthermore, we also call for further exploration of urbanisms in other highland regions, advocating for a more longitudinal, crosswise and nuanced understanding of urbanization processes in various global contexts.