Rezumat/Abstract. This study delves into the multifaceted and intricate nature of global cities, emphasising their distinctive attributes and spatial patterns. It conducts an in-depth analysis of three primary city ranking methodologies alongside other pertinent sources, each offering unique insights into global cities with a focus on their economic diversity, connectivity, and performance. One of the defining characteristics of global cities is their exceptional level of connectivity, as most of them serve as vital nodes within the global economic network. Additionally, these cities exhibit a remarkable hierarchical structure that persists among the top global cities. Spatially, global cities have witnessed substantial expansion, leading to the emergence of megaregions and conurbations. This growth, however, varies significantly based on their geographical location. Furthermore, a significant number of global cities are closely tied to port activities, with their proximity to ports contributing substantially to their competitive advantage. In summary, this research underscores the complexity inherent in global cities and emphasises the need for future approaches that adopt network perspectives and investigate the causal mechanisms governing their intricate dynamics. These directions could contribute to a more profound comprehension of these complex urban entities and offer valuable insights for effective urban development strategies.

Cuvinte cheie/Key words: port cities, globalisation, urban growth, urban networks, complex network theory, Bucharest, Constanţa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54508/rsdu.2025.02

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