The Concept of the Urban Archipelago

The term 'urban archipelago' describes the dominance of blue cities within a predominantly red nation. Savage emphasizes that cities are not just fragments of blue state territory but economic engines that significantly contribute to national productivity and innovation. This perspective challenges the traditional red state versus blue state dichotomy by highlighting the political and cultural isolation of urban populations living amidst rural conservatism. Cities serve as diverse cultural hubs, but their metropolitan influences and values often struggle to gain recognition and representation in broader political discussions.