This work investigates the fundamental relationship between urban development and national economic prosperity, questioning why some cities thrive while others stagnate. Mario Polèse, a professor of urban studies, utilizes historical data and economic theory to argue that cities are not isolated entities but are inextricably linked to the institutional and economic frameworks of the nations in which they reside. He posits that national policy, geography, and cultural context serve as the primary determinants for urban success or failure.

Experts in urban economics recognize this text as a comprehensive synthesis of the factors influencing city growth within a national context. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is well-suited for students and professionals in the fields of geography and public policy.