Studying paradiplomacy comparatively, this book explains why and how sub-state governments (SSG) conduct their international relations (IR) with external actors, and how federal authorities and local governments coordinate, or not, in the definition and implementation of the national foreign policy.
Sub-state diplomacy plays an increasingly influential international role as regions, federal states, provinces and cities seek to promote trade, investments, cooperation and partnership on a range of issues. This raises interesting new questions about the future of the state system. Schiavon conducts a comparative study of paradiplomacy in 11 federal systems which are representative of all the regions of the world, stages of economic development and degree of consolidation of their democratic institutions (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and the United States). The author constructs a typology to measure and explain paradiplomacy based on domestic political institutions, especially constitutional provisions relating foreign affairs and the intergovernmental mechanisms for foreign policy decision making and implementation.
This comparative, systematic and theoretically based analysis of paradiplomacy between and within countries will be of interest to scholars and students of comparative politics, diplomacy, foreign policy, governance and federalism, as well as practitioners of diplomacy and paradiplomacy around the world.
Table of Contents:
Introduction; 1. Paradiplomacy: Concepts, Definitions, Questions and Hypothesis; 2. Analyzing Paradiplomacy Comparatively and Theoretically; 3. Paradiplomacy Around the World; 4. Paradiplomacy in Mexico; 5. Paradiplomacy and International Cooperation Through Inter-Institutional Agreements; 6. Paradiplomacy in Mexico Through the Eyes of The SSG International Agencies; 7. The Paradiplomacy of Mexico City; Conclusions
About the Author :
Dr. Jorge A. Schiavon is Professor of International Relations at the International Studies Department, Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE).
Review :
"Highly recommended for reading. The book offers the reader a comprehensive outlook on paradiplomacy. What makes the book even more fascinating is that the author does not limit his research endeavour to the "traditional" cases of paradiplomacy from the Global North but exposes the reader to a number of less known cases from the Global South –those case studies definitely enrich and boost the existing scholarship, and contribute to a stronger understanding of the theories of paradiplomacy." - Alexander Kuznetsov, Professor of Political Science, University of Alberta
"Comparative Paradiplomacy provides the most comprehensive survey available of the international relations of sub-national units in federated states. Jorge Schiavon is uniquely qualified to undertake this comparative study that covers ten federated states. The book offers compelling explanations for why the international activities of sub-national units have varied both over time and across countries. A must read for anyone interested in the complex behaviour of federated states in international relations." - John Ravenhill, Professor of Political Science and Director, Balsillie School of International Affairs
"Jorge Schiavon’s book on comparative paradiplomacy is an important and timely addition to the literature dealing with the international activities of sub-state governments such as U.S. and Mexican states, Canadian provinces, German lander, and their counterparts in various parts of the world. The book enriches contemporary international relations theory, as well as academic studies dealing with domestic governance and federalism in an evolving and increasingly complex global setting." - Earl H. Fry, Professor of Political Science, Brigham Young University
"This book does much to advance the systematic study of paradiplomacy in a comparative fashion. Schiavon’s analysis is theoretically informed and helps explain what drives actions by sub-state governments—a phenomenon that will continue in the future. His extensive study of Mexico and the comparative analysis to systems around the world will help guide future research, particularly on the differences related to institutional configurations. Schiavon, a long-time contributor to the scholarly literature, provides first-rate scholarship and is informed by many practitioners in this exciting field." - Samuel Lucas McMillan, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lander University
"Jorge Schiavon has produced a theoretically innovative and empirically solid comparative inquiry into the various manifestations of contemporary paradiplomacy. This is more than a welcome addition to academic literature; it represents a quantum leap in scholarship on paradiplomacy." - Deon Geldenhuys, Professor of Politics, University of Johannesburg
"Jorge Schiavon's book is the most comprehensive and thoughtful analysis on comparative paradiplomacy in recent times. Its main contribution to the literature is that it provides insightful concepts and theoretical tools to compare international relations of local governments around the world. The book also examines Mexico’s contemporary paradiplomacy, which is a cutting-edge topic for the country’s foreign policy. Certainly, Schiavon’s work is a must-read for anyone interested in local diplomacy matters." - Rafael Velazquez, Professor of International Relations, University of Baja California
"This book is an important and valuable contribution to the study of sub-state diplomacy. The chapters on Mexico in particular show impressive empirical depth and should serve as a model for data collection and theoretical insight about the international affairs of federal states and cities. Jorge Schiavon also advances scholarship on non-central governments in the Global South, which is a welcome and necessary addition." - Cristian Cantir, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Oakland University
