RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS

International relations scholars have increasingly debated the evolving landscape of actors that challenge the traditional state-centric world order. A key element of this transformation is the rise of sub-state actors, which engages in alternative diplomacy parallel to the state, transcending trad...

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Main Author: Inass Abdulsada Ali
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: UUM Press 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of International Studies
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Online Access:https://e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/jis/article/view/23115
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author Inass Abdulsada Ali
author_facet Inass Abdulsada Ali
author_sort Inass Abdulsada Ali
collection DOAJ
description International relations scholars have increasingly debated the evolving landscape of actors that challenge the traditional state-centric world order. A key element of this transformation is the rise of sub-state actors, which engages in alternative diplomacy parallel to the state, transcending traditional state-centric frameworks. This paper explores the significant shifts in international actorness over the late 20th century, focusing on the emergence and implications of sub-state diplomacy, or "paradiplomacy." First, the study introduces sub-state actors and their role in challenging the dominant state-centric discourse. It then examines the dynamic evolution of paradiplomacy, highlighting how sub-states have expanded their global engagement, the opportunities this presents, and the potential threats it poses. Through a multi-scalar analysis, the paper critically assesses paradiplomacy's impact on long-held beliefs about regions, states, actors, and the international political system. Furthermore, the study shows how states can leverage their sub-national entities to deal with problems that threaten their sovereignty and global standing. The findings suggest that both the state and sub-state actors can engage in ambitious international activities, fostering greater global cooperation within the complexities of modern governance and competition.
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spelling doaj-art-8c65dfc9dd604b82893d7b4a826c6f832025-08-20T02:15:16ZengUUM PressJournal of International Studies1823-691X2289-666X2025-04-0121110.32890/jis2025.21.1.1RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONSInass Abdulsada Ali0University of Baghdad, College of Political Science, Department of International Studies Baghdad, Iraq International relations scholars have increasingly debated the evolving landscape of actors that challenge the traditional state-centric world order. A key element of this transformation is the rise of sub-state actors, which engages in alternative diplomacy parallel to the state, transcending traditional state-centric frameworks. This paper explores the significant shifts in international actorness over the late 20th century, focusing on the emergence and implications of sub-state diplomacy, or "paradiplomacy." First, the study introduces sub-state actors and their role in challenging the dominant state-centric discourse. It then examines the dynamic evolution of paradiplomacy, highlighting how sub-states have expanded their global engagement, the opportunities this presents, and the potential threats it poses. Through a multi-scalar analysis, the paper critically assesses paradiplomacy's impact on long-held beliefs about regions, states, actors, and the international political system. Furthermore, the study shows how states can leverage their sub-national entities to deal with problems that threaten their sovereignty and global standing. The findings suggest that both the state and sub-state actors can engage in ambitious international activities, fostering greater global cooperation within the complexities of modern governance and competition. https://e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/jis/article/view/23115Decentralizationsub-national governmentpower-sharingparadiplomacyinternational relations
spellingShingle Inass Abdulsada Ali
RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS
Journal of International Studies
Decentralization
sub-national government
power-sharing
paradiplomacy
international relations
title RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS
title_full RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS
title_fullStr RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS
title_full_unstemmed RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS
title_short RESHAPING THE WORLD, RETHINKING ACTORS: THE ROLE OF SUB-STATE ACTORS IN FOREIGN RELATIONS
title_sort reshaping the world rethinking actors the role of sub state actors in foreign relations
topic Decentralization
sub-national government
power-sharing
paradiplomacy
international relations
url https://e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/jis/article/view/23115
work_keys_str_mv AT inassabdulsadaali reshapingtheworldrethinkingactorstheroleofsubstateactorsinforeignrelations