The paper “California’s Global Cities”, published on September 2024 by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace examines how nine of the state’s cities — Anaheim, Fresno, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and San José — are expanding their roles in global diplomacy and governance.
California has long been recognized as a major player in global affairs. This influence, however, extends beyond the state government to local urban centers that are using “city diplomacy” to address transnational challenges such as climate change, trade, and cultural exchange.
The research highlights that seven of these nine cities have dedicated offices or representatives for international relations in 2024, a notable increase from just three in 2010. These entities are leading delegations abroad, engaging in sister city programs, and fostering partnerships to attract tourism, investment, and business opportunities. Key infrastructure like international airports and ports also plays a crucial role in connecting these cities to the global stage.
The paper underscores that the international efforts are quietly growing, not being always visible to local constituents. City leaders have increasingly formalized their global engagements, collaborating through networks such as C40 Cities and Metropolis to share best practices and drive collective action on pressing global issues.
The study notes that city diplomacy isn’t always a priority for local residents, who may be more focused on immediate issues at home. However, this emerging role of cities in shaping global policy demonstrates their unique ability to connect local actions with global solutions, bridging gaps in traditional diplomacy.
California’s Global Cities is the first of a two-part series, with the second paper set to explore city-led trade missions abroad. The series will offer an in-depth look at how California’s urban centers are redefining the role of cities in an increasingly interconnected world.
Read the paper online: https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2024/09/californias-global-cities?lang=en