The publication contains a detailed analysis of regional contacts between China and 6 EU Member States, including Poland. All these connections are illustrated by case studies of the mentioned regions. The book presents an increasing role of non-state actors in international relations, the growing importance of paradiplomacy and also the necessity to look at EU-China relations as a multi-layer phenomenon, engaging different types of actors on different levels.
- Paradiplomacy are actions undertaken within international space by regions and cities. Today, in international relations countries are not the only actors and, in some aspects, (such as, e.g., environment protection or academic cooperation) city or region authorities begin to play a really significant role. Sometimes their activities are carried out in agreement with the national authorities and sometimes quite autonomously.
Cooperation of European regions with those from China often focuses on very practical aspects. Cooperation of local companies, tourism, culture or academic exchange are promoted. This way regions saturate political declarations made by politicians at the national or EU level with real content - explains prof. Kaminski.
Edit: Promotion Centre, UL