(University of Southern California, 2017) Beukman, Eduard Francois
Cities have ever been part of the international relations system but have not been adequately examined by international relations theory as a subnational actor that can act independently of the nation-state. It has allowed for the creation of sister city partnerships, regional bodies and global networks. This paper will specifically look at the extensive policies created through these networks. These organisations allow for successful cooperation and collaboration within the international system between member cities despite the high levels of competition that exist for investment and human resources. The case studies of Cape Town and Tokyo are important to understand the various stages of these cities and how Cape Town punches above its weight internationally while Tokyo is finding its feet despite their respective disparities. This is vital to understand the role that cities play in the world and will continue to play.