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China and India, the world’s most populous countries, have rapidly developing economies that are shaping world politics in the 21st century. They are often compared in terms of lagged outcomes and contrasted trajectories. The present volume aims to examine more closely their commonalities as well as differences. In sections covering domestic economy, international economy, demography, migration and labour, and the environment, paired chapters examine each country. Probing behind the obvious contrasts, the essays disclose important ways in which the two countries are alike in facing the problems produced in large, formerly agrarian societies by rapid economic development and interaction with the global economy.

These chapters celebrate Mexico City as a centre of cultural creativity, diversity and dynamism; trace its history from the founding of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan to the present day; and explore how the varied experiences of its inhabitants have been represented in poetry, film and photography. Looking at the pre-Columbian city, colonial city and modern city, chapters show how Mexico City has grown organically, largely developed by waves of immigrants with new ideas and aspirations. While they have often envisioned the city in new ways, they have been unable to escape totally its historical past, and indeed at times have positively embraced it to serve contemporary political ends. As the city has grown, what it symbolises to its inhabitants and how they experience the city has become fragmented by social class and ethnicity. There is not one Mexico City, but many. The volume explores how these varied experiences have been represented in poetry, film and photography. Drawing from the fields of archaeology, history, political sociology, literature, cinema and photography, this volume provides an insight into the history and culture of Mexico City.