In this volume, the world's urban future is analyzed through a number of critical themes that relate to globalization, such as urban corridors, Islamic cities, new technologies, transport and telecommunications, financial centers, and food issues. World cities are discussed not simply for the functions they perform in the global economy, but also to examine the processes by which they came to perform those functions. The book builds upon a series of regional research projects focused on mega-cities sponsored by the United Nations University. Rich in theoretical and policy perspectives, it is balanced by cross-regional and cultural empirical analyses, data, and illustrations. Its conclusions will be helpful to scholars and planners in developed and developing nations.