While national governments remain central to global politics, cities are increasingly emerging as powerful actors in their own right.
Large urban centres such as New York City, London and Tokyo are playing a growing role in areas ranging from climate policy to economic development.
Cities are often at the forefront of innovation, implementing policies and technologies more quickly than national governments. Many have introduced their own climate targets, infrastructure projects and digital initiatives.
Urban areas also concentrate economic power. A significant share of global GDP is generated in cities, making them key drivers of growth and investment.
At the same time, cities face major challenges, including housing shortages, inequality and pressure on infrastructure.
Networks of cities are becoming more important, as urban leaders collaborate across borders on shared issues such as sustainability and public health.
Experts say this trend reflects a broader shift in how power is distributed globally. Influence is no longer held only by nation-states, but also by subnational actors such as cities.
In the future, global governance may increasingly involve cooperation not just between countries, but between the world’s major urban centres.
