Answer:
For the first time in history most people now live in cities. Cities are fundamental to
economic and cultural development. They produce 80% of world GDP. They act as
significant sources of soft power. Their influence is the organic product of many actors, but is
no less significant for that.
Step-by-step explanation:
They are also increasingly important to political issues, as they more and more make
connections between themselves, including through various international cities networks. In
recent years diplomacy conducted by cities and their contribution to national influence has
grown greatly in scale and importance. This trend is important, as the 21st century
challenges of creating prosperous and stable societies around the world cannot be
addressed by nation states alone. With globalisation, cities - long sources of prosperity and
culture - will increasingly become important players in their own right in addressing
international political, social, and security issues.