Political theorist Benjamin R. Barber advocated for cities as solutions to global issues in his later years. His notable work, "Jihad vs. McWorld," published in 1995, explored the effects of globalization and tribalism, predicting the political and socioeconomic changes of the early 21st century. Barber argued that both unfettered capitalism and fundamentalist extremism posed threats to democracies. He suggested that an "international civic infrastructure" was necessary to address these challenges, emphasizing the interdependence of societies. In his 2013 book, "If Mayors Ruled the World," Barber proposed that cities and their mayors could effectively tackle major global issues such as climate change and migration. This idea led to the establishment of the Global Parliament of Mayors, which first convened in 2016 in The Hague.
Following Donald Trump's election in 2016, Barber expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that right-wing nationalism would become obsolete. However, nationalism has remained prevalent globally, with many countries emphasizing national interests over international cooperation. In the U.S., cities face challenges from federal authorities, particularly regarding immigration policies.
Despite these challenges, cities are often seen as symbols of resistance. For instance, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the city's spirit of defiance against federal immigration enforcement. Similarly, Henriette Reker, former mayor of Cologne, Germany, has faced threats for her support of asylum seekers, emphasizing the city's long history of accepting migrants.
Recent discussions among mayors, such as New York City's Zohran Mamdani and Toronto's Olivia Chow, during the Urban20 summit, focused on collaboration despite state-level constraints. Mamdani emphasized the need for cities to address global challenges collectively, while Chow noted the importance of city-to-city relationships.
Mayors like Mamdani and Reker illustrate a broader trend of local leaders stepping up in the face of national politics. In Germany, the leftist Die Linke party, led by Elif Eralp, is gaining traction in Berlin, advocating for affordable housing amid rising rents. Meanwhile, mayors are forming networks to address issues like climate change and migration, exemplified by initiatives such as C40 and the Mayors Migration Council.
Despite their limitations, mayors can influence national politics. The new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, previously served as the mayor of Manchester, where he developed a successful political brand. In Turkey, Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, has faced legal challenges believed to be politically motivated.
The rise of alliances among mayors, like the Pact of Free Cities, reflects a growing movement against illiberal populism in Central Europe. Budapest's mayor, Gergely Karácsony, has emphasized the role of cities in upholding democratic values amid rising authoritarianism. He noted that Budapest's commitment to democracy has influenced national politics, leading to a recent opposition victory against Viktor Orbán.
Karácsony acknowledged the challenges posed by the far right but expressed hope that cities could play a crucial role in shaping a more democratic future. He echoed Barber's sentiments, stating that the current form of globalization threatens democracy, and urged for a balance between the two forces.