Twin Cities across Five Continents: Interactions and Tensions on Urban Borders

This international collection provides a comprehensive overview of twin cities in different circumstances, from the emergent to the recently amalgamated, on soft and hard borders, with post-colonial heritage, in post-conflict environments, and under strain. It offers interdisciplinary perspectives that bridge history, politics, culture, economy, geography, and other fields, applying these lenses to examples of twin cities in remote places. The chapters explore the impact of contemporary pressures, such as mass migration, the rise of populism, East-West tensions, international crime, surveillance, rebordering trends, and epidemiological risks triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, on twin-city relations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive international collection offers a thorough examination of twin cities in various contexts, encompassing both emerging and recently amalgamated entities, situated on both soft and hard borders, with a rich post-colonial heritage, in post-conflict environments, and under strain. Spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and the Caribbean, the volume views twin cities as fervent indicators of developments in the broader urban world on a global scale. Through interdisciplinary lenses that intersect history, politics, culture, economy, geography, and other fields, the book explores the origins, characteristics, and impacts of twin cities in remote locations. Employing a comparative approach and utilizing a diverse range of methodologies, the book delves into the factors that give rise to twin cities, their significance in understanding international borders, and the spatial legacies left by their colonial past. The chapters examine the profound effects of contemporary pressures, including mass migration, the rise of populism, East-West tensions, international crime, surveillance, re-bordering trends, and the epidemiological risks exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on twin-city relations. By presenting case studies from across the continents, this volume pioneers the inclusion of fictional imaginings of twin cities in the twin-city discourse.

Twin Cities across Five Continents serves as an invaluable resource for scholars and students engaged in the fields of anthropology, history, geography, urban studies, border studies, international relations, and global development. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities and dynamics of twin cities, shedding light on their historical, cultural, and spatial dimensions. By exploring the interplay between these cities and their surrounding environments, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by urban communities worldwide. Whether one is interested in the historical roots of twin cities, the geopolitical implications of their existence, or the ways in which they respond to contemporary global trends, this volume offers a wealth of information and perspectives.

In conclusion, Twin Cities across Five Continents is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of urbanization, globalization, and the complex relationships between cities. It provides a rich tapestry of case studies and interdisciplinary perspectives, making it an essential resource for researchers, students, and policymakers alike. By exploring the diverse experiences of twin cities across the world, this book offers valuable insights into the future of urban development and the role that cities will play in shaping our collective future.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367609245