This collection investigates how the intersection of local, national, and international forces fundamentally reshapes the political and economic landscape of American cities in an era of globalization. Dennis R. Judd and Paul P. Kantor, both established scholars in urban politics, curate a selection of readings that bridge historical context with contemporary policy challenges. The text utilizes a political economy framework to analyze how urban governance adapts to the pressures of a globalized market.

The text is regarded as a foundational resource for students and researchers seeking to understand the structural complexities of urban governance. Its thematic organization and scholarly editorial framing make it a standard reference for academic courses focusing on the intersection of urban politics and global economic trends.