International Handbook of Globalization and World Cities - Hardcover

`This book offers an extremely rich variety of (short) chapters on aspects of flows in network and knowledge societies, highlighting the evolutionary shift in focus from cities and states to places in urban networks and mosaics, in which urbanization and globalization themes are blended. The book is definitely a joyful read for all those researchers interested in urban networks and world cities.' -- Martijn J. Burger and Frank G. van Oort, Journal of Regional Science `An academic work of greatest interest to students and scholars of urban studies, urban planning, urban anthropology, urban history, urban geography, and urban sociology.' -- M.E. Pfeifer, Choice `As a Handbook, this volume expertly summarizes and reviews the current world cities research. Moreover, it does so in a way that is user-friendly, with short and accessible chapters organized in a coherent framework. Thus, students and researchers new to the area of world cities stand to benefit the most from this book. Supplemented with just a few classic articles, it provides a comprehensive introduction and lays the preliminary groundwork that would be necessary to undertake research on world cities. Likewise, established world cities researchers will find it a ready reference and convenient source for preparing literature reviews. Indeed, it sets an example for the organization and accessibility that future contributions in the world cities literature - both edited volumes and research articles - should aim for.' -- Zachary Neal, Economic Geography

This Handbook offers an unrivalled overview of current research into how globalization is affecting the external relations and internal structures of major cities in the world. By treating cities at a global scale, it focuses on the `stretching' of urban functions beyond specific place locations, without losing sight of the multiple divisions in contemporary world cities. The book firmly bases city networks in their historical context, critically discusses contemporary concepts and key empirical measures, and analyses major issues relating to world city infrastructures, economies, governance and divisions. The variety of urban outcomes in contemporary globalization is explored through detailed case studies. Edited by leading scholars of the Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Research Network and written by over 60 experts in the field, the Handbook is a unique resource for students, researchers and academics in urban and globalization studies as well as for city professionals in planning and policy.