Towards a cooperative ecosystem of city networks

In a globalised environment sovereignty no longer resides solely with nation-states. The planet’s major challenges are shaped by global dynamics that can no longer be nationally regulated but need to be managed at the international level. But it is cities that have to deal with many of the consequences of these challenges, often without clear competences, without resources and feeling the urgency of citizen pressure. In response to this situation, cities attempt to influence the international political agenda, promoting legislative frameworks that better respond to their needs, and seeking to acquire the resources needed to deploy their competences.