Paradiplomacia em contexto de guerra: a atuação dos municípios na guerra da Ucrânia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relevance of municipal diplomacy in the context of the Ukrainian War, seeking to understand the actions of cities within the European and Eurasian sections of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). To this end, four specific objectives were established: to discuss the concept of paradiplomacy and its application in different contexts, to verify the political context of the Ukrainian War, to analyze the actions of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) and the Eurasian section of the UCLG in relation to the Ukrainian War and to conclude on the relevance of the actions of European cities in the context of the Ukrainian War and their different positions within the institution analyzed. The approach used was deductive, starting from the conceptual discussion and exemplification of paradiplomacy in general terms and verifying the functioning of municipal diplomacy in cases of armed conflict. The procedural method used in the first chapter was functionalist, based on an analysis of the participation of each actor in the Ukrainian War, and in the second part, the monographic method was used based on cases from the chosen sections. The research technique used throughout the work was documentary and bibliographical. The main conclusions of the study were that European cities have played an important role in promoting peace and international cooperation in contexts of war, through initiatives such as the creation of city networks and joint projects. However, challenges and limitations were also identified in the actions of cities in war contexts, such as the lack of resources and institutional capacity, as well as the lack of coordination between cities and national governments. In addition, the lack of recognition and legitimacy on the part of traditional international relations actors can make it difficult for cities to act in crisis contexts. Faced with these challenges, it is important that cities continue to seek ways of inserting themselves into the international environment and promoting cooperation and peace. To this effect, it is essential that international institutions recognize the role of cities in International Relations and support their initiatives.