City-states, once a dominant form of political organisation in ancient Greece, are making a comeback in the 21st century. This resurgence is driven by globalisation, which has enabled cities to become economically independent from their nations. Cities like London, Singapore, and Hong Kong have robust economies that rival those of entire countries, allowing them to act as city-states.
The rise of city-states is also fuelled by the digital revolution, which has made geographic boundaries less significant. This has empowered cities to form global networks and alliances based on shared interests, bypassing national governments. For instance, the C40 network, a coalition of 90 cities committed to addressing climate change, represents a form of city-state diplomacy.
However, the resurgence of city-states is not without challenges. Cities still rely on national governments for security and infrastructure, and there is a risk of increasing inequality between prosperous cities and struggling rural areas. Moreover, the success of city-states depends on effective leadership and governance, which is not always guaranteed. Despite these challenges, the rise of city-states seems to be an inevitable part of our globalised, digital world.
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