Transnational Urbanism

* Brings a concrete, historically informed discussion of globalization and transnationalism applied to urban studies. * Offers a blueprint for reconstructing urban theory itself. * Forges stimulating connections between the field of urban studies and the emerging field of transnational studies. . Transnational Urbanism is a profound work of theoretical synthesis. Moving deftly across disciplines, urban theorist Michael Peter Smith criticizes the one-sided nature of globalization theory that has influenced urban studies scholars in the past two decades. Smith treats globalization not as an accomplished fact, but as an unfinished project of social and political practices. Central questions posed in this book explore how and why transnational migrants, refugees, diasporas, ethnic formations, entrepreneurs, political activists, and institutional networks locate and actively maintain social relations, as well as how transnational practices relate to the neo-liberal project of corporate globalization. The book foregrounds the continuing significance of cities as mediators of power and as the human foundation of contemporary transnationalism. 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. Brings a concrete, historically informed discussion of globalization and transnationalism applied to urban studies. Offers a blueprint for reconstructing urban theory itself. Forges stimulating connections between the field of urban studies and the emerging field of transnational studies.