De/Centralization, Foreign Policy and Paradiplomacy: A Comparative Analysis of Argentina and China

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relationship between decentralization/centralization of the State in the articulation between foreign policy and paradiplomacy in Argentina and China. The intention is to analyze the articulation between the subnational and national levels in relation to paradiplomatic action and foreign policy-making. In this context, the following research questions arise: How does de/centralization influence the multi-level articulation between the State and its subnational units? How does de/centralization affect the mechanisms of articulation between national foreign policy and subnational paradiplomacy?The theoretical approach employs the contributions of theories on decentralization and centralization in unitary and federal political systems; and the contributions of studies on paradiplomacy and territorial internationalization. The methodology is qualitative with a comparative case study in which the province of Jujuy (Argentina) and the city of Shanghai (China) will be studied from 2013 to 2023. Both subnational units are very active in their paradiplomatic activities and have played a relevant role in bilateral cooperation between China and Argentina. Shanghai is a developed subnational unit and the economic center of China, while Jujuy has abundant natural resources and development potential. As a result, it is observed that the form of organization of a state through federal or unitary systems does not imply decentralization or centralization respectively. Instead, the greater or lesser functional articulation between subnational and national levels can promote a harmonious system in which the development interests of all actors involved are incorporated. In the international arena, the articulation between the state´s foreign policy and the paradiplomacy of subnational units enables coherent and solid action that makes it possible to take advantage of the opportunities of the context for national development.