Asian Cities and the International Legal Order

This book explores a growing trend in international legal scholarship that views cities not merely as extensions of states, but as independent international actors worthy of study.While existing literature focuses primarily on cities in Europe and the United States, Asia is urbanizing rapidly and already hosts the majority of the world’s most populous cities. Increasingly, these Asian cities serve as centers of immense economic and political influence. To understand their engagement with international law, this book explores a diverse range of regional hubs, including Singapore, Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Almaty, Tashkent, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. Bringing together expertise from leading scholars across the globe, this volume analyzes local legal practices to build a comprehensive picture of the current and potential role of Asian cities in the international legal order.