[baybal2]

I don't see anything special to US in that phenomenon. I'd even say that US is notably better than most of the world in keeping its 2nd tier cities alive economically.

Most of Asia had that problem for decades, where only 1st tier cities had market for jobs above the "better than nothing" level.

It is either USA becoming more like Asia here, after few decades lag, or it is American second tier cities actually sliding back.

[dredmorbius]

The mechanism isn't US-specific.

The analysis is.