Rethinking the post-socialist city

Research on the post-socialist city remains weakly connected to global urban debates. This contribution argues that a comparative research agenda can help overcome its isolation and engage with theory (rather than simply supplying case studies for such). New urbanism suggests mechanistic, “genetic” comparisons may fail offer new avenues research, while “generative” involve cities from across globe create spaces conversation. Following this, there be at least three areas of dialogue around city. Firstly, protean processes harsh test theories if they seek claim relevance. Secondly, diversity transition outcomes challenges variegation liberal capitalism thesis because latter has geographic limits. Thirdly, emerging state requires analytical scrutiny variants, including state-led illiberal forms currently dominant in China Russia.