For most of human history, cities were the centers of power; ancient Athens, Babylon, and Rome shaped politics and trade long before modern nation-states existed. Today, places like Singapore, Monaco, and the Vatican function as independent city-states, while cities such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Dubai operate with surprising autonomy.
With growing global uncertainty, some experts suggest that city-states might define the future. Could safety, innovation, and opportunity make sovereign cities the new world powers?
Step inside the world’s rising city-states and see how today’s most dynamic cities are redefining borders, governance, and the very idea of independence. Click on!