In Robert D. Kaplan's book "Earning the Rockies: How Geography Shapes America's Role in the World," he emphasizes the importance of global connectivity for even the smallest cities in America. He argues that a city must have tangible connections to the rest of the world to thrive and avoid stagnation. This highlights the role of globalization and international relations in determining a city's vitality.

Kaplan's observation suggests that geographical isolation can severely limit opportunities for growth and interchange. As cities increasingly become reliant on international ties for economic and cultural development, those that fail to establish these connections will struggle to survive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.