EDICIONES TECNOLÓGICO DE MONTERREY

GLOBAL ISSUES COLLECTION

Book:Exploring Experiences of Paradiplomacy in Asia and Latin America

Editors

PhD STELLA JUSTE (CONICET-UNJu)

PhD CAO TING (Fudan University)

PhD FEDERICO TREBUCQ (CONICET-Universidad Siglo 21)

PhD CARLOS CERDA DUEÑAS (Tecnológico de Monterrey)

Call for Chapters

Proposals Submission: February 28, 2025

Full Chapters Due: May 30, 2025

Publication (tentative): December, 2025

In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the dynamics of international cooperation have transcended traditional relations between nation-states. In this context, international interactions accomplished by subnational actors, such as local governments, provinces, or departments, have become a key component for political, economic, and social development. In recent decades, Latin America and Asia have experienced a notable increase in their relations based on paradiplomacy, reflecting a growing interdependence in the global sphere. This book aims to fill a gap in the academic literature by exploring how subnational actors in Latin America and Asia have forged cooperation networks that transcend conventional national and diplomatic borders. Paradiplomacy has been a strategic tool for local and regional governments seeking to diversify their international relations, attract foreign investment, and participate in multilateral dialogues on issues such as climate change, trade, and technological innovation.

The paradiplomatic relationship between Latin America and Asia represents an opportunity not only to strengthen economic and cultural ties, but also to jointly address global challenges. Latin American cities and regions, in particular, have looked to Asia for strategic partners in areas such as infrastructure, sustainable energy and urban development, while Asian sub-national actors have shown increasing interest in Latin American markets and resources.

Accordingly, this book will not only analyze the most emblematic cases of paradiplomatic collaboration between the two regions, but also offer a critical overview of the opportunities and challenges that these relations entail in the context of a multipolar world order. By examining how local initiatives have influenced the foreign policy of their respective countries and generated new forms of cooperation, it is hoped that this book will become an essential reference for scholars, policymakers and practitioners interested in subnational diplomacy and contemporary international relations.

 Topics

1.   Subnational Politics and Governance:

-       The role of subnational actors in shaping foreign policy.

-       Decentralization and strengthening the diplomatic capacities of regional and local governments.

-       Study of governance structures and their differences in Latin America and Asia in terms of paradiplomacy.

2.   Trade, Investment and Sub-national Economic Cooperation:

-       Analysis of the impact of Asian investments in key infrastructures in Latin America.

-       Trade agreements and paradiplomatic treaties between regions.

-       Special economic zones and the collaboration of cities with Asian private actors.

3.   Energy Transition and Renewable Energy:

-       Paradiplomatic cooperation projects in renewable energies, such as solar, wind and geothermal energy.

-       Transfer of technology and knowledge on sustainability between Latin American and Asian cities.

-       Examples of partnerships between Latin American regions and Asian sub-national actors in the fight against climate change.

4.   Education and Academic Cooperation:

-       Academic exchange programmes between Latin American and Asian universities and research centres.

-       Collaboration on research projects in strategic areas such as science and technology, environmental studies, and public policy.

-       Academic mobility and educational agreements between sub-national actors.

5.   Culture and Soft Diplomacy:

-       The role of culture in paradiplomatic relations: cultural festivals, exhibitions, and artistic exchange programmes between cities.

-       Gastronomic diplomacy, cinema and tourism as tools to strengthen paradiplomatic ties.

-       Soft diplomacy strategies in the promotion of common values and mutual understanding.

6.   Urban Management and Sustainable Development Cooperation:

-       City-to-city partnerships for sustainable urban development management, mobility, and urban planning.

-       Exchange of experiences on urban resilience, water resource management and recycling.

-       Initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change through sub-national cooperation.

Proposals Submission:

Extended abstract up to 1000 words, 5 key words, English, APA Style.

Full Chapters:

From 6000 to 8000 words, 200 words abstract, 5 key words, English, APA Style.

Contact:

paradiplomacyAsiaLatam@gmail.com