This book investigates the complex economic, political, and social dynamics that define the emergence and sustainability of global city-regions in an increasingly neoliberal world. Allen J. Scott, a prominent scholar in economic geography and urban studies, compiles research from leading experts to establish a theoretical framework for understanding these massive urban agglomerations. The text analyzes how globalization forces city-regions to adapt their internal structures and external policies to remain competitive while addressing significant social disparities.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of urban geography and global economic policy. Scholars frequently cite the book for its rigorous theoretical approach to the challenges faced by contemporary metropolitan regions.