Fueled by advances in electronic communication and transportation technology, the globe is becoming more and more urbanized. Over the past two decades the expanding megacities of the Global South have had and continue to have a profound effect on the character of globalization at this critical historical juncture. Spencer's book is a path-breaking contribution to our understanding of this process. -- Edmond J. Keller, University of California, Los Angeles
This book illuminates and excites with its fresh approach to globalization and urbanization. Spencer argues for a new approach to understanding contemporary cities, highlighting four cities that are connected to world processes of long-distance interaction. Offering an innovative lens for interpreting and understanding cities in the new century, his work will appeal to new and seasoned students alike. -- Yue-man Yeung, Chinese University of Hong Kong
James Spencer's superb new study points us in a different direction as we struggle to understand the rapid urban transformation sweeping the planet. Spencer argues that an overly heavy emphasis on the change occurring in such 'global cities' as New York, Tokyo, London, and Shanghai is causing us to miss the most important panorama, the urban transformation of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. He takes us on a grand tour to shift our perspective. He does not want us to miss what is perhaps the most important transformation in world history. -- Elliott Sclar, Columbia University
Whether from the perspective of supporters/critics or specialists/nonspecialists, the related processes of globalization and urbanization are two of the defining trends of the 21st century. Spencer utilizes secondary scholarly literature, life stories, popular media, and personal experiences to make sense out of the diversity of the 'global urban ecosystem.' While each city has its own history, culture, and physical environment, the attractive ones benefit from three characteristics: economic and productivity efficiencies, differences and diversities, and a global connectivity. In order to provide a picture of what this ecosystem looks like, Spencer devotes four of his seven chapters to a tour of cities that illustrate each of his three types. Two of these cities are from the Global South and represent 'Do-Your-Timers' (Saigon and Addis Ababa), and two are from the Global North and represent 'Old-Timers' (Honolulu) and 'For-All-Timers' (New York). However, 'every city has elements of each, but it is the particular combination and concentrations that give individuality to any case.' This well-written, insightful, and informative book should appeal to all professionals and nonprofessionals interested in acquiring a new lens through which to make sense of the interrelated processes of globalization and urbanization. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. * CHOICE *
