Jennifer Robinson's book *Ordinary Cities: Between Modernity and Development* offers a critical critique of the spatial division in academic urban theory, arguing that the dichotomy between "global cities" in rich countries and "third world" cities in poor countries has hindered theoretical development. Robinson advocates for a post-colonial approach to urban studies that emphasizes the diversity and complexity of all cities, not just a few wealthy ones. She challenges traditional concepts of modernity and development, showing that modernity and tradition are interdependent and that primitivity is an essential part of urban life worldwide. Robinson critiques the Chicago School's ethnocentric views of the Western city and the Manchester School's multicultural perspectives on the Zambian Copper Belt, highlighting the hybrid nature of Western modernities and the cosmopolitan interdependence of urban innovation. She argues that academic theorization and policy development should focus on "ordinary" cities, considering the diverse needs and activities in both poor and wealthy areas. Robinson calls for a comparative and appreciative approach to urban theory, emphasizing the importance of learning from different contexts. While her thesis breaks down binary thinking, it is noted that her focus on the West and the marginalization of non-Western perspectives, particularly smaller urban areas, may limit the scope of her arguments.Jennifer Robinson's book *Ordinary Cities: Between Modernity and Development* offers a critical critique of the spatial division in academic urban theory, arguing that the dichotomy between "global cities" in rich countries and "third world" cities in poor countries has hindered theoretical development. Robinson advocates for a post-colonial approach to urban studies that emphasizes the diversity and complexity of all cities, not just a few wealthy ones. She challenges traditional concepts of modernity and development, showing that modernity and tradition are interdependent and that primitivity is an essential part of urban life worldwide. Robinson critiques the Chicago School's ethnocentric views of the Western city and the Manchester School's multicultural perspectives on the Zambian Copper Belt, highlighting the hybrid nature of Western modernities and the cosmopolitan interdependence of urban innovation. She argues that academic theorization and policy development should focus on "ordinary" cities, considering the diverse needs and activities in both poor and wealthy areas. Robinson calls for a comparative and appreciative approach to urban theory, emphasizing the importance of learning from different contexts. While her thesis breaks down binary thinking, it is noted that her focus on the West and the marginalization of non-Western perspectives, particularly smaller urban areas, may limit the scope of her arguments.