From microchip factories in Germany to port expansions in East Africa, from tech hubs in Southeast Asia to infrastructure corridors linking Europe and the Middle East, global politics is reshaping cities.
After the Cold War, many believed globalization would reduce the likelihood of major conflict. Today, intensifying rivalry between the United States, China, and Russia, is fragmenting the global economy. National security concerns increasingly shape investment decisions, supply chains are being reorganised, and armed conflict has proliferated. Many now speak of a new—or “Second”—Cold War.
But what does this mean for cities — and for the people who live in them?
From infrastructure and energy systems to digital networks and industrial strategy, cities are key arenas where struggles over technology, finance, and security are playing out. While geopolitics is shaping cities worldwide, these dynamics are not distant. Debates over advanced manufacturing, supply chains, foreign investment, energy transition, and digital infrastructure also shape the future of cities like Manchester and London. This event connects global geopolitical shifts to the urban futures unfolding all around us.
The event is hosted by Seth Schindler (University of Manchester) and Kevin Ward (Georgia State University). Join us for a series of short presentations and a roundtable with eminent panelists:
Simon Marvin (University of Sheffield)
Tetiana Vodotyka (Kyiv School of Economics)
Wojciech K?b?owski (University of Hong Kong)
The event is funded by the University of Manchester, and hosted in collaboration by the Global Development Institute, Manchester Urban Institute, and Second Cold War Observatory. Admission is free and open to the public, but registration is required and space is limited.
Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/second-cold-war-cities-geopolitics-and-urbanization-in-the-21st-century-tickets-1982687420447?aff=oddtdtcreator
