Local and Global

Humanity is heading towards a world in which urbanisation is the rule. At the same time, other trends suggest that the nature of cities may be changing radically. Many people assume that the information technology revolution and the globalisation of the economy and communication systems, combined with generalised urban spread, will mean the disappearance of the 'city' as a territorial form of social organisation. This book, by two of the world's most highly respected urban geographers, challenges this widespread vision. It argues that the specific role of cities will become increasingly important in the new circumstances. Unless a dynamic and creative relationship between the local and the global is established, enabling cities to remain the focus of social organisation, political management and cultural expression, the enormous social and environmental problems of urbanisation will prove unmanageable.