Indicators of a Global City

1. Seats of Economic Power

New York may have the largest stock market in the world but Tokyo houses
the most number of corporate headquarters (613 company headquarters as
against 217 in New York, its competitor).

Shanghai may have a smaller stock market compared to New York and Tokyo,
but plays a critical role in the global economic supply chain ever since China
has become the manufacturing center of the world.
New York: New York City is renowned worldwide because it has the largest stock
market in the world, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Having a significant stock
market signifies the city's importance in providing opportunities for trade and
investment on a global scale.

Tokyo: In Tokyo, you can find a high number of corporate headquarters of well-known
companies. Its prominence as a corporate center indicates the city's profound influence
in the economic aspect. This showcases how Tokyo has become home to global
businesses.

Shanghai: Despite having a smaller stock market compared to New York and Tokyo,
Shanghai plays a critical role in the global economy as it has become a primary center
in the global supply chain. Since China became the world's manufacturing hub,
Shanghai has become a hub for production and commerce worldwide. This highlights
the city's significance in global trade.
2. Centers of Authority

Washington DC may not be wealthy as New York but it is the seat of

American state power.

People around the world know its major landmarks: the White House, the
Capitol Building (Congress), the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, and
the Washington Monument. Similarly, compared with Sydney and
Melbourne, Canberra is a sleepy town and thus is not as attractive to tourists.

But as Australia's political capital, it is home to the country's top politicians,

bureaucrats, and policy advisors.
The concept of "Centers of Authority" focuses on
cities that serve as the central hubs of political
power and governance.
Washington, D.C.: Washington, D.C. may not be as financially affluent as New York, but it serves
as the epicenter of American state power. People across the globe recognize its major landmarks,
including the White House, the Capitol Building (housing the Congress), the Supreme Court, the
Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. These landmarks symbolize the core institutions
of American governance, making Washington, D.C. the ultimate authority in the United States'
political landscape.

Canberra: In comparison to cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra may not be as bustling and
attractive to tourists. However, as Australia's political capital, it is the residence of the country's top
politicians, government officials, and policy advisors. Canberra serves as the seat of authority for
Australian governance, housing key institutions like the Parliament House, where the nation's laws
are crafted and debated, as well as government departments and ministries. While it may not have
the same tourist appeal as other Australian cities, it holds significant political power and influence.
3. Centers of Political Influence

Cities that house major international organizations may also be considered centers of
political influence.

The headquaters of United Nations is in New York, and that of the European Union is in
Brussels.
An influential political city near the Philippines is Jakarta, which is not just the capital
of Indonesia, but also the location of the main headquarters of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Powerful political hubs exert influence on their own
countries as well as on international affairs.

The European Central Bank which oversees the Euro (the European Union's currency),
is based in Frankfurt.
The concept of "Centers of Political Influence" pertains to cities that serve as significant hubs for
political power and diplomacy, often housing major international organizations and institutions.

1. New York: New York City is home to the headquarters of the United Nations (UN), one of the most
prominent international organizations in the world. The UN plays a crucial role in addressing global issues,
promoting peace, and facilitating diplomacy among nations. As the host city of the UN, New York wields
considerable political influence on the international stage.

2. Brussels: Brussels serves as the headquarters of the European Union (EU), a major political and economic
union of European countries. The EU is a powerful entity that shapes regional policies, trade agreements, and
political decisions across its member states. Brussels is thus a central point for EU policymaking and is a key
player in European and global politics.
3. Jakarta: Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is influential in the Southeast Asian region and globally.
This is because it hosts the main headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),
an organization that promotes economic and political cooperation among its member states. Jakarta's role
as ASEAN's headquarters establishes it as a political center with significant influence in the region.

4. Frankfurt: Frankfurt is home to the European Central Bank (ECB), which oversees the Euro, the
currency of the European Union. The ECB plays a critical role in managing the Eurozone's monetary
policy, ensuring the stability of the currency, and influencing economic decisions across the EU member
states. Frankfurt's role as the ECB's headquarters underscores its political and economic importance in the
EU.

In these examples, these cities are centers of political influence due to their role as hosts to key
international organizations or institutions. They have the capacity to impact not only their own countries
but also global and regional affairs, making them powerful players in the realm of politics and diplomacy.