This book examines the role of urbanization and urban growth in the emerging economies, taking the 'BRICS' countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as case studies. It analyses how their different approaches towards urbanization have shaped their historical development paths and assisted or constrained their futures. Along with globalization, urban transitions have been central in the southward shift in economic power towards the newly emerging economies. As this book shows, however, these transitions have not been painless, and it is important for the rest of the urbanizing world to learn from the mistakes as well as the successes of the BRICS.