Paradiplomacy Tested by Central State Sovereignty: Theoretical and Operational Approaches to the Sub-State Dimension of Contemporary International Relations

With the rise of paradiplomacy, the state monopolies upon which the Westphalian international system is based are being challenged by sub-state entities. The territorial state is no longer the only actor capable of entering into contractual agreements with international actors, nor is it the only one with access to international organizations.This book analyzes the practice of paradiplomacy by subnational entities in light of the central sovereignty of states. It is intended as a toolkit from which students and researchers can draw ideas to carry out their own research.In short, it is evident that today, the rise of paradiplomacy by sub-state entities (provinces, regions, federal states) is directly challenging the Westphalian monopoly by asserting their own role on the global stage.Thus, the question that arises is: are we moving toward shared sovereignty? However, this challenge does not signal the demise of the Westphalian state, but rather its gradual transformation.