ABSTRACT
This chapter is based on the assertion that the division into centre and periphery, a conception of geography and urbanism to territorialise development, is different from the term's use within economic world system models – however, the two are related. The chapter goes on to demonstrate causal links between the anomalous core-periphery relations within the Soviet world order and further structural anomalies inherent in the socialist system's functioning that affected the territorial distribution of development within its cities. It does so by introducing socialist Budapest's urban renewal practices and explaining their frustration through evident links to such anomalies. The conclusion is that the anomalies presented here were not only in part responsible for the Soviet system's unsustainability but have also prevented it from achieving some of its most fundamental promises, such as the establishment of a classless, egalitarian society.
