City Diplomacy & Local Diplomacy: a New Paradigm for Global Governance
Since 2014, our Law Firm has been actively engaged in the scientific and professional advancement of City Diplomacy and Local Diplomacy as transformative tools in global governance. These approaches recognize the increasing role of cities, regions, and local communities in international relations, moving beyond the traditional state-centric diplomatic model.
In a world characterized by global interdependencies, territorial communities face complex challenges that transcend political borders. Issues such as climate change, migration, economic development, and social cohesion require solutions that are not only effective but also locally adaptable.
These types of problems—known in academic literature as "wicked problems" and "super wicked problems"—are particularly difficult to resolve due to their evolving nature, multiple stakeholders, and long-term impact.
Avv. Leonardi has explored these dynamics extensively in his doctoral research, focusing on how a negative or misrepresented place brand can exacerbate governance challenges and hinder a community’s ability to position itself favorably on the global stage.
City Diplomacy: The Rise of Sub-State Actors in Global Relations
City Diplomacy refers to the increasing proactive role of cities and local governments in fostering international cooperation, economic growth, and cultural exchange. No longer confined to municipal administration, modern cities now act as global actors, forming networks, influencing international policy, and engaging in transnational legal frameworks.
Major global challenges—such as sustainable urban development, climate adaptation, smart cities, and digital transformation—are often addressed more efficiently at the local level, where governments are closer to the citizens and have a more direct impact on policy implementation. Initiatives like global city networks (e.g., C40 Cities, UCLG, ICLEI) demonstrate the power of municipal collaboration in shaping sustainable and inclusive urban futures.
Local Diplomacy, in turn, extends this concept to encompass regional and sub-state entities, NGOs, and other local actors who actively engage in cross-border cooperation. Local actors can drive meaningful, long-term international engagements that are often more adaptable than traditional diplomatic strategies.
Our legal practice in the field of City and Local Diplomacy has been carried out by leveraging cultural diplomacy, fostering international dialogue through arts, heritage, and creative industries as instruments of mutual understanding and strategic influence.
Soft Power and the Strategic Importance of Place Brand
One of the most valuable tools within City and Local Diplomacy is the strategic use of soft power—the ability of a place to attract, influence, and shape global perceptions through non-coercive means. Unlike hard power, which relies on economic pressure or military strength, soft power is rooted in a place’s culture, governance, reputation, and attractiveness.
A fundamental aspect of soft power is the place brand, which represents how a city or region is perceived internationally. A strong place brand enhances a community’s ability to attract investment, talent, and partnerships, while a damaged or misrepresented place brand can limit opportunities and hinder development.
A place’s global reputation is not determined by a single factor—such as tourism or industry—but by a holistic combination of elements. This is where Simon Anholt’s Place Brand Hexagon provides a structured approach, identifying six key components that shape how a place is viewed globally:
Governance – The perceived effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of local institutions.
Exports – The strength and international reputation of the place’s businesses and products.
Tourism – The appeal of cultural, historical, and natural attractions.
Investment & Immigration – The openness to foreign investment, business opportunities, and skilled workers.
Culture & Heritage – The richness of local traditions, arts, and creative industries.
People – The education, hospitality, and global mindset of the local population.
By focusing on these interconnected dimensions, City and Local Diplomacy can enhance a community’s global standing, making it a respected, attractive, and influential player on the international stage. This is not about merely promoting a place—it is about building and sustaining a strong identity that reflects the community’s values, ambitions, and potential.
Policy Design & System Thinking for Global Engagement
In the dedicated Policy Design & System Thinking section of this website, we outline the legal and strategic services that our law firm provides to:
Public institutions looking to enhance their international outreach.
Third-sector organizations aiming to expand their global partnerships.
Municipal and regional authorities seeking to implement effective City Diplomacy strategies.
By integrating transnational legal frameworks, innovative policy design, and systemic strategic thinking, we help clients navigate global challenges, improve institutional reputation, and develop long-lasting international relationships.
In an interconnected world, local actors must think beyond borders while remaining deeply rooted in their communities.
Act local, think global.