Cities, Regions, and States in Global Affairs

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Over the past few decades, nation-states and international organizations have struggled to address global challenges such as climate change, inclusive development, public health threats, and the rise of China. In what ways are the world's cities and subnational governments working on their own and in concert to manage these issues? This course examines the distinctive roles and capacities of cities and states (provinces) in managing global policy issues and explores different modes and outcomes of "glocal" action. We start by exploring the complex, multilevel nature of key global policy challenges. We then use case studies from four different issue-areas to assess how action by subnational governments is contributing to but also complicating solutions. We conclude by weighing the strengths and weaknesses of "glocal" action and considering the most fitting policy roles and portfolios for subnational actors in the 21st century.