Territorial dynamics and deepening autocratization: exploring the role of gated communities in Shanghai's COVID-19 response

This article, through an anthropological lens inspired by Anthony Leeds' concept of locality, examines the interplay between urban governance and autocratization in Shanghai's gated communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As strategic microcosms within China's cities, these urban spaces are analysed as distinct human-geographical units to reveal the intricacies of multilevel governance within China's authoritarian framework. Drawing on a multifaced ethnographic approach, including online and offline ethnographic research and secondary data analysis, the paper explores how gated communities act as potential enclaves for democratic practices, fostering public participation amidst strong state control. The findings highlight the pivotal role of urban fabric in shaping political dynamics, positioning gated communities as key sites for understanding deepening autocratization processes in urban China.