全球化使國家角色與定位產生轉變，城市或地方自治團體相對提高其地位，全球之間的競爭對象也從國家擴散至全球各大都市。城市之間的交流頻繁所帶來的經濟、文化、教育等亦不遜於國與國間的外交活動，城市逐漸從第二線轉向第一線，成為落實以及執行全球化的要角。面臨全球化的轉型，無論國家或社會均面臨不確定性。隨著全球化時代的來臨，面對各國人民往來越趨頻繁所可能帶來的文化差異，以及全球金融危機對國內市場造成的衝擊，為了迎接未來更加險惡的挑戰，臺灣又必須考量政治立場，惟以城市外交呈現更為多元的方式來經營符合國家安全利益及帶動社會經濟環境為最大考量，以「2010年臺北國際花卉博覽會」為例，是臺灣第一次獲得國際授權舉辦的世界級博覽會，不僅加速臺北市市容脫胎換骨、煥然一新，無形中更提昇了市民的美學素養，讓一向被國際社會低估的臺北能獲得肯定。 Globalization drives federal and local governments to increase global competition between countries and major cities worldwide. Economic, cultural, and educational activities exchanged between international cities are becoming cities’ priorities; cities understand that obtaining recognition on the global level is necessary. The advent of the globalization era has brought about the influx of foreign travel, causing the increase of potential cultural differences, and the global financial crisis of various domestic markets. In light of such situations, Taiwan must also consider its political position within the international community, especially on its stance regarding national security, economic affairs, and the environment. The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition is an example of Taiwan’s first time holding an exposition on the global level, accelerating the aesthetic and cultural renaissance of the nation. Hosting a global event only reveals and highlights the beauty Taiwan offers, allowing other nations to see Taiwan’s abundance of qualities that have often been underestimated or overlooked. Through hosting events such as the International Flora Expo, Taipei gained recognition within the international community。
