World Cites: nature, character, spatial distrubution

Question 1

nature:

Answer 1

growth due to global economy,
drivers of growth: reduced trade barriers since 1950, tech- computerization/telecommunication/transport innovation- slash cost and increased speed of info/people/goods between countries–> rapid growth of TNCs

new global system of production, marketing, finace, business services and telecommunications (controlled defined by network of world cities) mainly developed country drive world

Question 2

character:

Answer 2

beyond former role as centres for international trade/banking to:

• command/control centres of global economy
• preferred location for finance/law/accounting/advertising
• major transport hubs
• new innovative industries
• centres for cultural authority (museums, gallery, uni)
• major events (olympics)
• media outlets with international reach (News Corp)

Question 3

spatial distribution:

Answer 3

classified according to spatial articulations: economic power they command:

dominant world cities- control centres(NY, London, Tokyo)
major world cities- multinational role: link large national companies to global system (Paris, LA, Singapore)
secondary world cities- national/sub-national roles, bring regional economies into global system (HK, Sydney, Chicago)