The modern city extends beyond its physical borders, pervading all aspects of our society. From corporate globalization and political upheaval to educational reform and ethnic social movements, the city is the first to experience massive change. While less populous regions look on for inspiration, the city acts and reacts, creating and shaping the world′s future. Celebrating 30 years of Sage′s Urban Affairs Reviews, volume editors Robert A. Beauregard and Sophie Body-Gendrot, with a gathering of the best and brightest in urban scholarship, share their passion for the city as we approach the 21st century. From an interdisciplinary perspective, critical urban theorists explore a variety of discourses for representing the contemporary city. Considering the city′s social and physical articulations, the prospects for continued democracy and civic engagement, and interpretations of a "good city," these essays represent the cutting edge of urban studies.

The Urban Moment: Cosmopolitan Essays on the Late 20th Century City is a provocative examination of urban theory, offering European, North American, and South American perspectives. An exciting and comprehensive addition to the series, this book is critical for Urban Studies scholars as well as those studying the city in sociological, political, or cultural disciplines.