Is Paradiplomacy Becoming More Relevant?

In a world increasingly defined by globalization, subnational governments are stepping beyond their domestic roles to engage internationally. This phenomenon, known as paradiplomacy, reflects the growing involvement of states, provinces, and cities in shaping global governance. Despite being less familiar in some nations like the United States, paradiplomacy has emerged as a critical mechanism for addressing transnational challenges, fostering economic growth, and asserting cultural and political identities

Understanding Paradiplomacy

Paradiplomacy refers to the international activities of subnational governments, undertaken alongside or independently of national governments. These activities aim to attract foreign investment, foster cultural exchanges, and address global issues such as climate change.

The trend is driven by functional necessities, such as economic globalization, and political aspirations, like regional identity building. For instance, Quebec uses paradiplomacy to promote Francophone culture, while Catalonia leverages it to assert political autonomy. In the United States, individual states like California and Illinois adopt international strategies to address challenges like regulatory alignment and global competitiveness, bypassing federal policies when necessary.

The Growing Scope of Paradiplomacy

Paradiplomacy’s relevance lies in its capacity to adapt to a fragmented yet interconnected global order. Subnational governments increasingly engage in: 

• Economic Diplomacy: Promoting trade, attracting foreign direct investment, and securing global market access. For instance, Illinois works through networks like the Council of American States in Europe to attract investment and promote exports.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Promoting unique regional identities. Quebec’s international efforts to preserve Francophone culture highlight this dimension. 
• Political Advocacy: Influencing global and regional policies. Wallonia’s veto of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement demonstrates how subnational actors can shape international negotiations.
• Transnational Challenges: Addressing global issues like climate change and technological innovation. California’s adoption of privacy regulations aligned with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation exemplifies this proactive approach.

Challenges and Risks

While paradiplomacy offers significant opportunities, it also poses challenges. Subnational actors’ engagement in international affairs risks creating policy fragmentation, especially when their goals diverge from national priorities. Additionally, the lack of coordination among subnational entities can undermine collective action, as seen in EU-China relations. Over 500 partnerships between European and Chinese cities foster economic and cultural cooperation, but their lack of alignment with broader EU strategies reveals the potential for inefficiencies.

Yet neglecting paradiplomacy could result in missed economic opportunities, weakened global influence, and disjointed policies. Subnational governments play an essential role in promoting trade, addressing cross-border issues, and fostering cultural ties. Without a coherent framework to support these activities, nations may lose influence in a rapidly evolving global order.

Policy Recommendations

Governments should create frameworks to integrate subnational activities into national foreign policies, ensuring coherence while allowing regions flexibility to pursue specific goals.  It is also important to provide resources and training to subnational governments to enhance their ability to engage in strategic paradiplomacy. Governments should encourage the development of networks, such as the EU’s Committee of the Regions, to institutionalize subnational contributions to decision-making processes. It’s also important to establish platforms that align regional activities with broader national or regional goals while avoiding policy fragmentation.

Net Assessment 

Paradiplomacy is undeniably becoming more relevant. It allows subnational governments to address global challenges, promote their unique identities, and foster international cooperation. However, its growing prominence necessitates better coordination and strategic alignment to prevent inefficiencies and conflicts with national objectives.

Ignoring paradiplomacy risks missed opportunities and diminished influence in the global arena. By recognizing and supporting the international roles of subnational governments, policymakers can harness paradiplomacy’s potential while ensuring it complements broader national and regional strategies.

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino speaks during the Annual Turkic Day at the Legislative Office Building on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Albany, New York. (Photo by Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)