Inspired by Venice (right) and its history as a city state from 697 to 1797, I thought I would pose the following big-picture question: Is Hong Kong, as a global city, on the rise - or is it in decline, like the Venetian Republic at the end of its life? Do you think that Hong Kong will be riding the wave of globalization for years to come - or will this city lose its international status and go the way of la Serenissima, which was absorbed into Napoleon's empire to become just another Italian city?Any thoughts are welcome!
