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An economic geography perspective on city diplomacy

Author

Listed:
  • Jorn Koelemaij

    (KU Leuven, Belgium)

  • Sam Taveirne

    (KU Leuven, Belgium)

  • Ben Derudder

    (KU Leuven, Belgium; Ghent University, Belgium)

Abstract

City officials increasingly maintain relations with foreign stakeholders, both public and private, a practice that is generally referred to as city diplomacy. In the past, city diplomacy activities focused on bilateral cultural and knowledge exchanges. Although this type of collaboration still exists, contemporary city diplomacy has become more dynamic and diverse, and increasingly includes an economic dimension. In addition, many cities currently prioritise becoming involved in a variety of multilateral inter-urban networks. Despite wide-ranging conversations on the challenges and opportunities of these new types of city diplomacy, theoretical reflections regarding the underlying processes and the potential consequences remain largely absent from the literature. In this article, we argue that the city diplomacy literature can therefore be enriched by engaging with concepts and debates developed in economic geography in two main ways. We first elaborate on contemporary varieties of urban entrepreneurialism and the extent to which these correspond with city diplomacy practices. We argue that city diplomacy contains elements of both traditional entrepreneurialism and managerialism. Second, we look at city diplomacy through the lens of uneven development, hypothesising that city diplomacy may entail a self-reinforcing effect in terms of enhancing socio-spatial differences between ‘superstar cities’ and ‘places that do not matter’ respectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorn Koelemaij & Sam Taveirne & Ben Derudder, 2023. "An economic geography perspective on city diplomacy," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(6), pages 995-1012, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:60:y:2023:i:6:p:995-1012
    DOI: 10.1177/00420980221137021
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lian, Zeng & Ma, Yunfeng & Chen, Li & He, Rong, 2024. "The role of cities in cross-border mergers and acquisitions — Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 1482-1498.
    2. Ben Derudder & Jorn Koelemaij, 2023. "City Diplomacy Research at the Crossroads," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 114(3), pages 177-180, July.

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