Paradiplomacy Causes

The causes of Paradiplomacy
There are both international and the domestic factors influencing why paradiplomacy would emerge (’external’ & ’internal’ factors). The model outlined below is based on the combination of two very influential writing, mostly on the one from Alexander Kuznetsov, the author of a recently written a sparkling study on this very important segment of the phenomenon, and to a lesser extent on one from the “father” of paradiplomacy, Panayotis Soldatos.
The first section introduces the “international side” of paradiplomacy. From the ‘external’ factors influencing sub-state entities (1) globalization is the most important. According to Alexander Kuznetsov, “[g]lobalization eroded economic and cultural boundaries between

However first I need to introduce the main focus they usually have during their paradiplomatic activities. According to André Lecours we can generally distinguish between three ’layers of paradiplomacy,’ which are (1) ‘economic issues’ focusing exclusively on economic gains ; (2) the ’decentralized cooperational’ layer focusing on cultural/educational exchanges or scientific/technological cooperations ; and (3) “political considerations’, (called ’identity paradiplomacy’ by Stéphane Paquin) featuring prominently the international expression of any identity distinct from the one projected by the central state. Kincaid also added one more ’layer’ called (4) ’cross-border housekeeping’, referring to regional cooperation in certain policy areas where the existing problems can be solved more efficiently by neighbouring regions rather than by national-governments. These layers are cumulative, and entities usually adopt more than one of

In many cases regions establish temporary or even permanent subnational offices, called „paraconsulates”. Sub-state entities also variably enjoy the (2) power of treaty making, the ius tractati. According to Cirekemans, some regions – such as Québec, - have really strong competences in this field while others – as Scotland - are much weaker in this respect. Subnational governments are also able to (3) “make agreements in various fields, such as in cultural, partnership or transnational matters”. In some cases, subnational governments (4) establish their own special regional ministries and departments which are responsible for international affairs. They often use the diplomatic tool of (5) ministerial visits . Entities also participate in various international organizations and multilateral frameworks by sending their (6) „detachments” and (7) create or join multilateral projects in which they actively participate. They also (8) create or join transborder multilateral networks; and (9) participate in various international events, such as forums with their own delegations. They can (10) make their own contracts with various international actors, such as companies, associations, etc. Lastly, they can (11) “develop their own