Much recent research in Urban Studies has concentrated on the notion of the 'global city' but discussion has also covered a larger set of mega cities, with populations in excess of 10 million. This analysis has begged the question of the optimal size for a city - is larger always better? Smaller Cities explores the advantages and disadvantages of different sized cities, trying to determine their place in the global economy and hierarchy.

Peter Karl Kresl was Professor of Economics at Bucknell University in the US for almost 40 years. He co-founded the Global Urban Competitiveness Project fifteen years ago, and remains its President today.

Daniele Ietri is Asssociate Professor of Geography at the eCampus University, Italy, where he is responsible for the Geography courses at the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Literature.

1. Introduction to small cities - how to describe/define them? 2. Small cities in a world of Mega-cities 3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of smaller cities? 4. Is size important? 5. Public policy and small cities in North America 6. Public policies and small cities in the European Union 7. Small cities and competitiveness in North America 8. Small cities and competitiveness in Europe 9. Summing it up: options for smaller cities