Envisioning the Future in Doha and Astana

In Qatar and Kazakhstan, urban development and state building have followed similar trajectories, reflected in development tropes and narratives about prosperous futures in their respective capitals.

Doha Corniche (Photo credit: Kristen Eggeling)

by Kristin Eggeling

Across centuries and geographies, political elites have used the construction of capital cities as a central tool of governance. Through iconic buildings, historical sights, and architectural experiments, capitals have been used by those in power to form national identities and showcase gl…