Final answer:
A 'world city' or cosmopolis differed from a Greek polis in that it was part of a broader, often imperial structure and focused on broader international influence rather than localized self-governance. Citizenship in these cities was a sign of elite status rather than participatory civic duty.
Step-by-step explanation:
A "world city" or cosmopolis differed from the old Greek city-state, or polis, in scope, function, and significance. Unlike the insular and independent poleis, cosmopolitan cities were centers of broad-ranging international influence and sophistication.
The original Greek polis was a tightly-knit community where citizens participated directly in political matters, centered around the agora. This was a stark contrast to the later Hellenistic period cities, where citizenship became a sign of elite status, potentially held in multiple cities, and politics often took a backseat to personal pursuits and happiness.
The new cities of the Hellenistic kingdoms, such as Alexandria, showcased Greek culture and features, but they were part of larger kingdoms rather than independent entities, manifesting a marked shift in Greek's political and cultural narrative from localized self-governance towards broader imperial structures.