International City Research Articles

The impact of changing exposure to PM2.5 on mortality for US diplomats with multiple international relocations: a modelling study.

Current evidence linking long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and mortality is primarily based on persons that live in the same residence, city and/or country throughout the study, with few residential moves or relocations. We propose a novel method to quantify the health impacts of PM2.5 for United States (US) diplomats who regularly relocate to international cities with different PM2.5 levels. Life table methods were applied at an individual-level to US mortality statistics using the World Health Organization's database of city-specific PM2.5 annual mean concentrations. Global Burden of Disease concentration-response (C-R) functions were used to estimate cause-specific mortality and days of life lost (DLL) for a range of illustrative 20-year diplomatic assignments for three age groups. Time lags between exposure and exposure-related mortality risks were applied. Sensitivity analysis of baseline mortality, exposure level, C-R functions and lags was conducted. The effect of mitigation measures, including the addition of air purifiers, was examined. DLL due to PM2.5 exposure for a standard 20-year assignment ranged from 0.3 days for diplomats' children to 84.1 days for older diplomats. DLL decreased when assignments in high PM2.5 cities were followed by assignments in low PM2.5 cities: 162.5 DLL when spending 20 years in high PM2.5 cities compared to 62.6 DLL when spending one of every four years (5 years total) in a high PM2.5 city for older male diplomats. Use of air purifiers and improved home tightness in polluted cities may halve DLL due to PM2.5 exposure. The results were highly sensitive to lag assumptions: DLL increased by 68% without inception lags and decreased by 59% without cessation lags for older male diplomats. We developed a model to quantify health impacts of changing PM2.5 exposure for a population with frequent relocations. Our model suggests that alternating assignments in high and low PM2.5 cities may help reduce PM2.5-related mortality burdens. Adding exposure mitigation at home may help reduce PM2.5 related mortality. Further research on outcome-specific lag structures is needed to improve the model.

Archaeological Excavation, Protection, and Display Engineering Design Practice: A Case Study in the Ruins of the Imperial City of the Minyue Kingdom

The Han Dynasty Ruins in Chengcun Village of Wuyishan City, also known as the Ruins of the Imperial City of the Minyue Kingdom, are located on the hilly slope southwest of Chengcun Village, Xingtian Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China. These are ruins of a Han Dynasty city. Wuyi Mountain’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Committee declared it a World Heritage Site in 1999. It is also the only imperial city site from the Han Dynasty that has been declared a World Heritage Site in China, and it is the most well-preserved large-scale imperial city site from the Middle Ages on the Pacific Rim. This study used comprehensive archaeological techniques, including archaeological excavation work, site information recording, erosion situation analysis, and geological surveys, to design and implement protective engineering projects in response to existing problems. In this study, the researchers conducted a geological survey of the study area to analyze the topography, rock and soil distribution characteristics, groundwater storage conditions, and geotechnical engineering conditions. At the same time, they explored the preservation status of the site, including the preservation status of the East Gate and the East City Wall, and they analyzed the causes of damage. Finally, the investigation and analysis results guided the design of a site display project, which included safeguarding against collapse and erosion, treating trees and shrubs, and designing the exhibition project for the East Gate. This study provides some practical reference for the excavation and archaeological work of the royal city in the surrounding areas. At the same time, in terms of the technical process of the project, it is also hoped to provide ideas for international ancient city excavation, display, and protection projects.

Characteristics and Emerging Trends in International City Negotiations

The article examines key features, main directions, and current trends in international negotiations between subnational territorial units using the example of cities. In today’s world, where the global political system is undergoing epochal change, the international activities of non-governmental and subnational actors, including their participation in international negotiations, have intensified. One of the key features of international city negotiations is that they occur mainly in a multilevel and multilateral format. This is due to the hybrid nature of cities, which are both state and non-state entities. The balance of power between cities and states in international relations depends on factors such as the degree of autonomy granted to sub-national units by the central government, as well as the level of economic and political influence held by cities. Sometimes, the position of a city may differ significantly from that of the state it belongs to. At the international level, there are several specialized institutions and mechanisms that allow cities to coordinate their positions and develop common approaches. These include the World Association of United Cities and Local Authorities, the World Assembly of Local and Regional Authorities, and the Metropolis Association. The main topics of today’s multilateral negotiations between cities include combating climate change, ensuring protection from natural disasters, promoting the rights of migrants and other displaced people, and fostering innovation in urban environment and governance. In contrast, bilateral negotiations between cities, based on the institution of sister cities, focus more on the humanitarian, scientific, educational, and cultural spheres of cooperation. Finally, current trends in international city negotiations include the increasing use of digital technologies and the geographical reorientation of Russian cities’ partnerships towards the countries of the “global majority.”

From a grand hotel to an urban symbol: the Astor Hotel in old and new Tianjin

This article examines the enduring iconicity, multifaceted functions, and changing meanings of the Astor Hotel in Tianjin—one of the first international hotels in modern China—from the mid-19th century to the 21st century. Originally built more than 150 years ago, the Astor Hotel still stands exactly where it did in the former British Concession in Tianjin. This hotel was not only a venue boasting Tianjin’s most expensive accommodations but also a crucial site where politics, technology, economics, social, and cultural changes intersected and developed in its treaty port incarnation. Moreover, the expansion of the Astor Hotel evolved along with the development of Tianjin from a hypercolonial city to a Chinese-run metropolis. Shortly after the Communist Revolution in China, its ownership was overtaken by the Tianjin Municipal Government. Following a sequence of major renovations and commercial relaunches in the 1990s, the Astor Hotel was restored and reconstructed as an emblem of Tianjin’s historical status as an international and cosmopolitan city in China. Both continuity and changes will be emphasised in the discussion of the Astor Hotel’s history, as well as its multiple functions and shifting symbolic significance.

The construction of innovative blocks and innovative cities under high-quality development in the new era

Under the new pattern of high-quality development stage, this paper closely combines the national innovation-driven development strategy and the new trend of international innovation center city construction, aiming to promote the construction and development of China's innovative blocks and innovative cities. Through in-depth comparison and analysis of the practice of innovative urban construction at home and abroad, combined with the shortcomings and shortcomings of the current innovative city construction, this paper proposes a synergistic development of urban renewal and innovative blocks. This framework aims to realize the goal of high-quality development of the city, to nurture more science and technology enterprises and knowledge-based talents, and to promote the virtuous cycle of the innovation system. At the same time, this paper emphasizes the synergistic strengthening of both "hard facilities" and "soft environment" to optimize the innovation ecosystem, build an open innovation system, and strive to create a global innovation highland. This study not only reflects the innovative concepts and decision-making wisdom in the field of management, but also provides new ideas and strategies for urban innovation and high-quality development.

Understanding motivational determinants of gastronomic tourism during peak seasons. Empirical evidence from Latacunga City in Central Ecuador

Abstract This empirical study examines the motivational determinants driving the consumption of traditional local food and beverages in Latacunga in Central Ecuador (South America). This geographical area embraces a rich cultural and historical heritage, making it a year-round destination for tourists looking to experience its unique local cuisine and festivals. An online survey was conducted between September 2021 and February 2022, during which 445 valid questionnaires were collected; these were quantitatively analysed using binary logistic regression analysis. Model-based findings revealed that age, taste, health and safety concerns, cultural experience, and expenditure were the most significant factors influencing the consumption of traditional local food and beverages. This information will help understand tourists’ behaviour concerning gastronomic tourism, and help develop optimal positioning, branding, and marketing strategies for sustainable development at top-ranking destinations, particularly cities in Central Ecuador and other international cities featuring similar tourism characteristics.

What factors will influence foreign residents’ staying in commercial spaces in front of stations? A case study on Chinese residents in Japan

ABSTRACT In the context of transit-oriented development (TOD), an essential objective in international city development is the creation of commercial spaces in front of stations that attract people from diverse backgrounds and of various nationalities. There remains a notable gap in research focusing on people’s staying in commercial spaces in front of stations from the perspective of foreign residents. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing the staying of Chinese residents in Japan regarding to commercial spaces in front of stations via questionnaire. Among them, the popularity of commercial spaces in front of stations and the diversity of business types were the most influential. Critical factors also included the area of station, the greenery, the distance from the station to stores, the ethnic cultural element, the percentage of foreign residents in station human traffic, and the area of commercial spaces in front of stations. This research also showed significant differences in the perceived importance of critical factors exhibited by population attributes across occupation, monthly income, and length of residence in Japan.

The Role of the United Nations and Its Agencies in the Israel-Hamas War

Institutional Liberalism, an International Relations theory argues that international institutions play a significant role in influencing cooperation and peace among nations. Although criticized by some as unrealistic, the tenets of Liberal Institutionalism have contributed to the rising interest in the capabilities of international organizations like the United Nations (UN) in ensuring long-lasting international relations and peace among countries after the Cold War Era. This is due to their mediation ability that provides a ‘common ground’ for discussions among states while maintaining the common interest of each state actor. It is considering this tenet of Institutional Liberalism that we explore the role of the UN and some of its agencies in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war of 2023. The involvement of the UN in the Israeli-Palestinian tension dates back to November 29, 1947, when the UN General Assembly voted to divide Palestine into Jewish and Arab states with Jerusalem as its international city (Resolution 181- Partition Plan). However, the focus of this article is limited to the October 7, 2023, Israel-Hamas war, as the role of the UN and its agencies have been active in mediating international relations in a manner supported by the theory of Liberal Institutionalism. The agencies under consideration in this article include the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, International Court of Justice, UNHCR, UNRWA, UNESCO, UNICEF, and WFP. This article is, however, limited to a few UN agencies and, as such, gives room for further research as to the role of unexamined UN agencies as well as other international institutions in the ongoing 2023 Israel-Hamas war.

도시문화를 기반으로 한 상하이 부산 관광상품 비교 연구

Tourist souvenirs carry rich regional history, culture and cultural heritage, and play an important role in shaping regional cultural brands, inheriting urban culture, and promoting urban innovation and consumption vitality. Shanghai and Busan, as international cities, take tourist souvenirs as an important way to spread urban culture. The purpose of this study is to explore the development path and characteristics of tourist souvenirs under different urban cultural backgrounds, learn from each other to jointly promote the spread of urban culture, and adopt the methods of literature collection and comparative analysis. This paper first investigated the basic cultural characteristics of the two cities, carefully compared the historical integration and modern innovation, through research perfume, straw, folk dance, film festival cases, comparison analyzes the commercialization of Shanghai tourism souvenir, marketization characteristics, busan Marine culture, multicultural characteristics, respect different souvenir design and cultural communication strategy differences, both successfully shaped their city image, improve the city cultural soft power. In the future, the two places can learn from each other to further enrich the cultural connotation of souvenirs and promote the international dissemination of urban culture.

수도권광역급행열차(GTX)-B노선 추진에 따른 사업단계별 주변 아파트 가격에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

This study is a study on the effect of the GTX B route departure station on the price of nearby real estate around Songdo International City, Incheon University Entrance Station, as the GTX B route was confirmed, and 10,142 transaction cases were collected from July 2016 to September 2020 to analyze the effect on the prices of nearby apartments by stage of the GTX B route project according to the preliminary feasibility study and selection through the difference-in-differences method. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the second station influence area was affected before and after the preliminary feasibility study was selected, and it has a significant impact before and after the preliminary feasibility test, but this is not a policy effect, and when the individual characteristics of the apartment are included, the coefficient difference is large, so the robustness is poor. In the preliminary feasibility test, the unit price of apartment transactions is considered to be largely affected by the housing characteristics effect of the apartment and the macroeconomic effect that the entire society is affected. Therefore, this paper analyzes the price changes of surrounding apartments by project stage following the GTX B route promotion, presents future changes in apartment prices near the GTX B route pre-jeong station, and further research should be conducted in accordance with the analysis of various factors such as interest rates and the government’s real estate policy in the future and the promotion of additional projects such as the construction and opening of the GTX B route.

Evolving connections: Understanding the dynamics behind the Sino-foreign sister city network

Sister city relationships bolster trust and facilitate deeper interactions between international cities, acting as key enablers for transnational cooperation. However, less is known about the driving factors for the dynamic evolution of sister city networks. Accordingly, our study leverages data from Sino-foreign sister cities and applies the stochastic actor-oriented model (SAOM) to analyze the evolution process of these networks. We examine the driving roles of network structure characteristics, sister city attributes, and control variables. Key findings include that network density (outdegree) positively and insignificantly influences the formation of these networks, while activity plus popularity foster these connections. For city attributes, institutional distance and geographical similarity (both coastal cities) play a positive driving force in the development of sister cities. By contrast, cultural distance similarity negatively affects the dynamic development of these ties. Most interestingly, three control variables exhibit different effects on Sino-foreign sister city networks. Economic level and opening-up degree of cities exert positive and significant effects on the evolution of networks. By comparison, the effect of resource endowment of cities on network evolution presents a negative and significant driving force. In addition, this study also examines spatial heterogeneity in the evolution of Sino-foreign sister city relationships across different continents. These findings can help urban diplomacy practitioners to formulate and implement sister city planning policies and promote the efficiency of Sino-foreign cities in establishing sister city relationships.

Investing in friendship: international friendship cities and foreign direct investment

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of international friendship city development on foreign direct investment (FDI) using panel data of 290 Chinese cities from 2004 to 2019. Results show that the extent of local government involvement in developing international friendship cities plays a role in facilitating FDI. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, friendship city relations foster FDI through improving the business environment for foreign investors and promoting cultural exchange. This study provides new empirical evidence that diplomatic relations foster FDI.

What do International City Networks Contribute to Global Governance? Towards a Better Conceptual and Empirical Assessment

ABSTRACT This article systematically assesses international city networks (ICNs) and their contribution to global governance. Research in urban studies has frequently emphasised the growing number and activities of ICNs in global politics, particularly environmental politics. However, systematic and comparative assessments of their main characteristics and how they contribute to global governance in different issue areas remain rare. To advance our conceptual, empirical, and comparative understanding of these networks, we review existing approaches and analyse a sample of 30 ICNs concerning three categories, namely their structures, aims, and activities. The results show that ICNs assemble diverse actors, closely collaborate with international organisations, and are dedicated to the implementation, but also the change of global norms in several issue areas of global governance. At the same time, the results suggest that more empirical data and comparative analyses of ICNs are necessary to advance our conceptual understanding of ICNs and their relevance in global governance.

Research on the competitiveness of the Arctic transportation route under the belt and road initiative

AbstractWith the continuous improvement of the navigation environment of the Arctic routes, the commercialization potential of the Arctic routes is enhanced, which brings new challenges to the Suez Canal route and the China–Europe railway Express. In addition, geopolitical factors such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict and the Red Sea crisis have also brought some impact on the Eurasian transport pattern. In this context, the future trade and transportation between China and Europe will take on a new pattern. In order to study the transport competition pattern between China and Europe under the opening of the Arctic routes, this article takes into account the time‐value cost of goods and geopolitical factors, constructs a logit competition model, and quantitatively investigates the competitiveness of the Arctic route and the traditional routes of the “Belt and Road Initiative” using major international transportation hub cities in China. The results show that the types of cargo and the level of freight are important factors affecting the competitiveness of Arctic routes. Under the influence of geopolitics, the competitive advantage of the Arctic routes are highlighted.

从全球百余城市低碳发展水平异同看中国城市低碳发展之道

Conducting the evaluation of low-carbon development of global cities has important guiding significance for the low-carbon city development in China. However, there are no widely accepted and applied low-carbon city indicator frameworks currently. Existing studies either focus on Chinese cities only, or apply to around 10 large world cities, failing to consider the applicability and comparability of a large number of world cities (i.e. more than 100). Therefore, this report is aimed to fill in the above knowledge gaps by developing a low carbon city indicator framework, conducting case studies and putting forward policy recommendations for different types of cities in China. The low carbon city indicator framework can: 1) reflect the low carbon development status of cities; 2) fit for both international and Chinese cities regarding data availability and comparability; 3) applicable to a large number of cities, i.e. more than 100 cities in the world.

Smart Cities and International Trade Law

AbstractA ‘smart city’ is a buzz term and concept. The ‘smart city’ has mainly been discussed in the scholarly literature on urban planning, architecture, and geography. While the ‘smart city’ has been under-analyzed in international trade law, the term ‘smart city’ is commonly used in Asian trade policies. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) established the ‘ASEAN Smart Cities Network’ and the ‘smart city’ is now an important market opportunity for exporting smart technologies and services to ASEAN. Against this backdrop, this article addresses how smart cities can be regulated and governed by international trade law. The trade law perspective facilitates a broader understanding of smart city governance, which includes under-explored ‘global’ regulatory dimensions concerning the interaction between local governments and foreign firms. This article selects three relevant trade areas for discussions: (1) Internet of Things in the context of trade in goods and services; (2) international standard-setting activities; and (3) data governance. It further considers what kinds of regulatory issues international smart city projects can add to the current digital trade discourse. Drawing on the smart city literature, the article points out additional problems concerning security and privacy that have not yet been acknowledged in digital trade.

The regional integration transition of China’s immigration policy: The case of Yiwu

By examining the immigration policies of Yiwu, one of China’s international trade cities, this article observes a policy transition from how to control immigrants to how to integrate them. To explain this policy transition, this paper refers to neo-institutionalists’ theory, specifying the institutional setting, judicial organs, and social groups in China’s background. With the case study of Yiwu, it demonstrates that the decentralization from upper-level government to lower-level government on the one hand, and the horizontal reform within local government itself on the other, are the decisive factors in the changing immigration policies. Judicial organs, especially the court, are cooperating with government-organized non-governmental organizations (GONGOs) in their foreign-related litigation and mediation. At the community level, the “contracting out” of public services gives non-government organized social groups opportunities to participate in community management.

Bicycle Parking Requirements in City Building Codes and Their Potential to Promote Sustainability

Bicycle parking requirements in building codes are an important tool for promoting cycling, as several studies have shown that the provision of secure parking increases cycling rates and contributes to sustainability. However, bicycle parking requirements are not comprehensive across the EU and vary widely within countries and between municipalities, which questions what aspects they should consider. This paper analyzes the literature and guidelines on parking requirements and compares their implementation in ten German and four international cities both qualitatively, examining specific requirements for parking facilities, and quantitatively, examining the number of spaces required. The results show that most guidelines set comparable standards in terms of quality and quantity. However, the quality standards defined in the actual building codes are heterogeneous. While most cities require features such as the ability to lock the bicycle frame, they do not adequately address different user groups and insufficiently consider e-bike charging infrastructure. Most cities meet the guidelines for the required number of bicycle parking spaces, but lack a clear rationale based on local conditions, which can lead to an unsustainable under- or oversupply. In summary, cities do not fully utilize the potential of parking requirements to promote cycling because of incomplete qualitative standards.

The role of cities in cross-border mergers and acquisitions — Evidence from China

This study explores the impact of an international friendship city, serving as diplomatic relations between cities, on the transaction time and equity ownership choice in cross-border mergers and acquisitions (CBMAs). Analyzing data from Chinese firms spanning the period 2001 to 2019, we discover a positive and significant correlation between the establishment of an international friendship city and shorter CBMAs duration and higher CBMAs share of equity. Further evidence suggests that the effect is more pronounced (a) in target countries that keep cooperative partnerships with China, (b) countries along the Belt and Road, and (c) state-owned enterprises (SOEs) acquirers. In addition, we identify effects at the provincial level, demonstrating a correlation between the number of international friendship cities and positive outcomes. Mechanism tests show that the subnational-level friendship relationship consolidates cultural exchange and lessens institutional barriers, thereby reducing the completion time and raising the ownership of acquirers. Drawing on political perspective, our results provide new insights into the important role of friendly diplomatic relations to cross-border investment for enterprises internationalization.

Effects of China's pilot low-carbon city policy on carbon emission reduction in the hotel industry: A quasi-natural experiment in tourism cities

A low-carbon pilot city bases its economy on energy efficiency, demonstrating an environmentally friendly development model and establishing a sustainable energy ecosystem. Establishing low-carbon pilot cities exerts both actual and exemplary effects in decreasing its CO2 emissions. However, research in the field of low-carbon measures has frequently bypassed their particular effects on sectors with high emissions, such as the hospitality industry. This study seeks to fill this void by assessing the influence of low-carbon city pilot policies (LCCP) on the hotel sector's carbon footprint. The analysis uses a PSM-DID model to review emission data across 49 prominent tourist cities in China over the period 2010–2020. It contrasts emission patterns between pilot and non-pilot cities. Findings reveal that LCCP markedly cuts CO2 output in hotels. This cutback stems from sectoral change, the growth of higher-rated hotels, and enhanced hotel occupancy rate. The policy's effects are especially strong in affluent regions and international tourist cities. These results point to LCCP's crucial contribution to sustainable hotel practices. The study emphasizes the necessity for precise environmental regulations in energy-intensive industries to meet wider sustainability objectives.