What is a city called that has significant global influence in finance, culture, or politics?

A city that has significant global influence in finance, culture, or politics is referred to as a global city. These cities serve as major nodes in global economic networks and often have a high degree of connectivity with other cities worldwide. They are typically urban centers where decision-making processes that affect the entire globe take place, and they host international organizations, multinational corporations, and cultural institutions.

Global cities such as New York, London, and Tokyo are characterized by their ability to attract and retain a diverse talent pool, exhibit high levels of innovation, and influence cultural trends and financial markets globally. The presence of significant infrastructure, such as advanced transport systems and communication networks, also contributes to their status.

In comparison, a megalopolis refers to a large urban area formed by the merging of multiple metropolitan areas. A regional hub is typically a city that plays a significant role within a specific region but does not possess the same global reach as a global city. A conurbation is an extended urban area that comprises several towns or cities, usually linked by continuous development, but does not necessarily indicate the global influence that defines a global city.