Globalization has led to a connected world that extends far beyond the
boundaries of sovereign nations. A natural result of this has been the rapid growth
of cities, causing them to become increasingly diverse, powerful, and conscious of
issues from urbanization and sustainability to immigration. Modern technological
advances have allowed for city leadership to communicate, connect and coalesce in
ways that challenge the traditional power structures of international relations.
London, Paris, Tokyo and Los Angeles are just a few of the cities that have long had
identities distinct from that of their nations, but now their voices are amplified.
An interactive day of voices and dialogue, the APDS Conference will explore the
emerging field of city diplomacy, and its increasing relevance in global governance
and world politics.