ISBN 92-808-0999-7 360 pages US$34.95, paper

Globalization and its spatial manifestations in all major regions are examined in this volume. World cities are discussed not simply for the functions they perform in the global economy, but also to examine the processes by which they came to perform those functions. The world's urban future is analysed through a number of critical themes which relate to globalization, such as urban corridors, Islamic cities, new technologies, transport and telecommunications, financial centres, and food issues. These themes will largely shape human habitat and life within it in the twenty-first century.

The book has built upon a series of regional research projects focused on mega-cities sponsored by the United Nations University. Some findings featured in this volume form a basis for a comprehensive survey of how globalization has impacted upon urban growth and structures in different parts of the world.

This book is a major contribution to the study of urbanization and globalization. Rich in theoretical and policy perspectives, the book is balanced by cross-regional and cultural empirical analyses, data and illustrations, and its conclusions will be helpful to scholars and planners in developed and developing nations.

Fu-chen Lo is principal research fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies of the United Nations University, Tokyo. Yue-man Yeung is professor of geography at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.