Exploring the connections between globalization and urbanization, this notable book places particular emphasis on understanding the economic function of global cities, the political process of globalizing cities, and the cultural significance of cosmopolitan cities.

The book explores the meaning of the globalizing project in cities:

• the maintaining, securing and increasing of urban economic competitiveness in a global world
• the reimagining of the city
• the rewriting of the city for both internal and external audiences
• the construction of new spaces and the hosting of new events.

Specific chapters look at the significance of signature architects, the hosting of the Summer Olympics and the role of the super-rich. The main thesis of the book is that this discourse of globalizing is a major force in the restructuring of cities around the world.