Theory and Practice of Paradiplomacy: Subnational Governments in International Politics [RESEÑA]

Abstract

This book is based upon the research and findings carried out by Alexander Kuznetsov concerning his PhD dissertation on paradiplomacy and the role of subnational governments in international affairs. As pointed out by the author, paradiplomacy is generally referred to in the academic literature as the involvement of the constituent units (regions) of (multi)national states in international affairs. Examples of these meso units are the states in the United States, the provinces in Canada, the Länder in Germany, the oblasts and the republics in Russia, and the autonomous communities in Spain. A focus on the phenomenon of paradiplomacy in its theoretical and practical aspect is meant to shed light on an area of study of increasing interest for academics and practitioners, as it plays a significant role in shaping the foreign and domestic policies of central governments.