The Wealth and Poverty of Regions

As the world becomes more interconnected through travel and electronic communication, many believe that physical places will become less important. But as Mario Polèse argues in The Wealth and Poverty of Regions, geography will matter more than ever before in a world where distance is allegedly dead.

This provocative book surveys the globe, from London and Cape Town to New York and Beijing, contending that regions rise—or fall—due to their location, not only within nations but also on the world map. Polèse reveals how concentrations of industries and populations in specific locales often result in minor advantages that accumulate over time, resulting in reduced prices, improved transportation networks, increased diversity, and not least of all, “buzz”—the excitement and vitality that attracts ambitious people. The Wealth and Poverty of Regions maps out how a heady mix of size, infrastructure, proximity, and cost will determine which urban centers become the thriving metropolises of the future, and which become the deserted cities of the past. Engagingly written, the book provides insight to the past, present, and future of regions.

“This is one of the most original books in the subject area that I have read in years—the nearest is Jane Jacobs, forty years ago. It is remarkable in the way it combines depth and breadth, all presented in a jargon-free, almost conversational style.”

“For the first time in history, more than half the human population now lives in urban areas. Although economists and other social scientists have paid a considerable attention to the unequal development of nations, much less is known regarding the magnitude of spatial inequalities within countries as well as to the role and strength of urban agglomeration economies in driving regional economic development. In the wake of new economic geography and modern urban economics, Mario Polèse has succeeded in providing a masterful synthesis of the various roles played by cities in the process of regional growth. Thanks to a magnificent and reader-friendly exposition, the material presented in this book is made available to a broad audience of scientists and decision makers.”