Abstract

What is the role of world cities in the age of globalization? Hymer (1972), Friedmann (1986), Sassen (2001), Smith (1996), Smith and Timberlake (2001), Alderson and Beckfield (2004) and many others have expanded on world systems theory and other sociological development theories to look at the increasingly important role of cities in the global context. Each argues that there are different kinds of cities that play a key role in the global economy. This paper will attempt further explore the role of the world city, as well as briefly explore and suggest future directions.