Global and local dynamics in the urban context

The case of Athens

Abstract

Global cities and their strategic role in the world economy have been extensively discussed in recent decades. The globalization processes may also involve smaller peripheral cities, though not defined as global cities. After a brief overview of the functions and features of cities connected to global dynamics, this paper will concentrate on the case of Athens. The organization of the 2004 Olympic Games was a major strategic plan aiming to upgrade the Greek capital in the global hierarchy of metropolises. Considering the Olympic preparation and the urban restructuring projects involved as a starting point, this paper aims to examine Athens’ trajectory through successive crises of global origin and scale (financial crisis, refugee crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, etc.), focusing on its ongoing transformations involving both national and international capital and agents, and on the interplay of global and local dynamics in the emerging urban space and identity, as well as in its international image and role.