Join our tribe for full access to everything including live shows, meetups, and more.
Titus Gebel is the inventor of the Free Private Cities concept and CEO of TIPOLIS Corporation.
The concept of modern countries is not only new, but it is becoming increasingly outdated due to the rise of digitalisation and globalisation. Although fairly removed from how they once were, modern city-states like Singapore, Monaco, and the Vatican serve as the best contemporary examples.
People are becoming disillusioned with national policies and are identifying more with their cities (because they’re smaller than countries). This sentiment is particularly strong in megacities that have an international outlook, like London, where demands for independence have been vocalised.
Economically, cities are becoming powerhouses.
They generate over 80% of the global GDP and are becoming self-sufficient due to trends like local manufacturing and urban farming. This economic might gives them the leverage to act more independently and look after the interests of their growing populations.
Another factor is the agility of cities in adapting to global challenges.
Unlike modern countries, cities are often more flexible and can implement policies to combat issues like climate change more effectively. This adaptability could make them more sustainable in the long run.
That said, city-states have been around for a long time.
- Athens (Ancient Greece) was known for its contributions to democracy, philosophy, and the arts.
- Sparta (Ancient Greece) was renowned for its military prowess and strict social structure.
- Venice (medieval and Renaissance Italy) was famous for its canals and as a centre of trade and commerce.
- Florence (Renaissance Italy) was celebrated for its contributions to art, architecture, and humanism.
- Singapore (Modern Era) is a contemporary example, known for its economic success and strict governance.
Each of these city-states had or has its own unique form of governance, culture, and contributions to the world.
Subscribe to my War Report, sent to your inbox every few days.
