Great cities of politics include historical centers like Paris and London, which have served as hubs for revolution, empire, and finance. Other examples include modern global powerhouses like New York City, Tokyo, and Washington D.C. that are influential in finance, technology, and national government, respectively. The concept of “great cities of politics” also includes ancient city-states like Athens, which pioneered democracy, and contemporary cities that are vital for political and social change in their regions, such as in Africa.Â