Global cities / Greg Clark.

"A short history"--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Navigating global cities -- Origins: trade and connectivity -- The history of global cities I: ancient cities -- The history of global cities II: modern cities -- Understanding global cities -- Global cities today -- The future of global cities: challenges and leadership needs.

From Athens and Rome in ancient times to New York and Singapore today, a handful of cities have stood out as centers of global economic, military, or political power. In the twenty-first century, the number of truly global cities is greater than ever before, reflecting the globalization of both economic and political power. New technologies and shifting geopolitics enable more cities to attract global talent and capital, lead in the hosting of new advanced industries, and achieve global recognition and influence. In Global Cities: A Short History, Greg Clark, an internationally renowned British urbanist, examines the enduring forces--such as trade, migration, war, and technology--that have enabled some cities to emerge from the pack as global leaders. Much more than a historical review, Clark's book looks to the future, examining trends that are transforming cities around the world as well as the challenges all global cities will face. Which cities will be the global leaders of tomorrow? What are the common issues and opportunities they will face? What kinds of leadership can make these cities competitive and resilient? Clark offers answers to these and similar questions in a book that will be of interest to anyone who lives in or is influenced by the world's great concentrations of people and capital.