Transnational Urbanism: Locating Globalization

by Michael P. Smith

Transnational Urbanism is a profound work of theoretical synthesis by internationally renowned urban theorist Michael Peter Smith. Moving deftly across disciplines and discursive terrains, Smith forges original and stimulating connections between urban studies and the emerging field of transnational studies. With original and extraordinary insight, he addresses the central question of how and why immigrants, refugees, political activists, and institutions locate and maintain social relations in light of transnational urbanism.

Genres: Nonfiction

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Peter Smith is pushing back real hard against a few things that, in my opinion, deserve being pushed back against: economic determinism, class essentialism, the belief that "the nation" isn't / isn't going to be a relevant scale anymore, and the global urbanism apotheosis and hierarchization of "the city" (among others). Yes, some of this has been done before - Smith cites them. Yes, his opponents often give caveats - Smith thinks these are afterthoughts that don't actually have bearing on the way their analyses work. The book can become repetitive, but it's a valuable intervention that helps open urban studies to a more nuanced understanding of the place and function of cities - and human agents within them.