The most complex of these entities is the 'global city', whereby the linkages binding a city have a direct and tangible effect on global affairs through socio-economic means.

The concept comes from geography and urban studies and rests on the idea that globalization can be understood as largely created, facilitated, and enacted in strategic geographic locales according to a hierarchy of importance to the operation of the global system of finance and trade.

Quintessential examples, based on most indices and research, include New York City, London, Paris, and Tokyo.įreebase Rate this definition: 3.2 / 29 votesĪ global city is a city generally considered to be an important node in the global economic system. The global city represents the most complex and significant hub within the international system, characterized by links binding it to other cities that have direct, tangible effects on global socioeconomic affairs.The criteria of a global city have varied over time and depending on the source common features include a high degree of urban development, a large population, the presence of major multinational companies, a significant and globalized financial sector, well developed and internationally linked transportation infrastructure, local or national economic dominance, high quality educational and research institutions, and a globally influential output of ideas, innovations, or cultural products. The concept originates from geography and urban studies, based on the thesis that globalization has created a hierarchy of strategic geographic locations with varying degrees of influence over finance, trade, and culture worldwide. Wikipedia Rate this definition: 0.0 / 0 votesĪ global city (also known as a power city, world city, alpha city, or world center) is a city that serves as a primary node in the global economic network.

Alpha-global city