The Influence of Strategic Subnational Diplomacy in International Relations
The international engagement of cities and local governments has increased and diversified recently. Mainly understood by the public as the cultural and academic ties cultivated within the sister-city framework, these connections now bear deeper and more strategic implications.
Cities and local governments are operating across borders as they must manage the acute effects of global challenges, such as geopolitical competition, climate change, pandemics, and migration. Local leaders must strategically update their toolbox to manage international affairs, advance their communities’ economic and social progress, and elevate their interests in the multilateral system.
This new strategic dimension of subnational diplomacy has implications for national governments. Some ignore this phenomenon, attempt to limit it, or seek to exploit subnational relationships to advance their national interests. Others recognize the need to support subnational diplomacy as a value add in foreign policy statecraft, such as the United States.
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The Influence of Strategic Subnational Diplomacy in International Relations
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