Abstract

Networks have taken their place in international relations as policy actors that facilitate cooperation and collective action. The fact that cities increase their effectiveness in the field of global politics together with the developments accompanying globalization and localization policies has increased the importance of transnational municipal networks as a structure describing inter-city cooperation. Transnational municipal networks are evaluated together with their role as an actor of global governance in the context of multi-level governance and also as an intermediary role in advocating the local agenda in the global arena. At the same time, the reflection of activities carried out within the scope of transnational networks on urban services and policies in cities that are members of the network is also important.

The Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), which first appeared in China's Wuhan Province at the end of December and was identified on January 13, 2020 as a result of research, has a concrete effect in cities and shapes urban services and policies. The purpose of this study is to discuss the place of transnational municipal networks in the fight against the pandemic, especially considering the necessity of sharing the knowledge and experience required by the pandemic process, the implementation of best practices in public policies, and joint struggle strategies. In line with this purpose, what are the opportunities created by the transnational municipality networks for the cities that are members of this study during the pandemic process? The question will be tried to be answered. While answering the question, the Metropolis network will be examined as an example and discussions and evaluations will be carried out within the context of the member cities of the network.

Keywords: Transnational Network, City/Municipal Management, Covid-19 Pandemic, Urban Service/Policy, Metropolis.