Local Diplomacy In The Usa: A Model Proposal For Turkiye

Author : Hatun Korkmaz

Abstract : Today, cities, as much as countries, are operating as global actors interacting with each other, establishing sister city relationships, forming international city networks, and developing thematic collaborations with many international stakeholders. At this point, local diplomacy emerges as an approach that differs from but supports traditional diplomacy. Utilizing many elements of soft power, local diplomacy brings cities, which can be defined as practice and result-oriented mechanisms, to the forefront on a global scale (maramarabelediyelerbirliği.com). The importance of local governments in international diplomacy can be better understood through Dommergues’ definition: “The nation-state is too small for large actions and too large for small actions” (Dommergues, 1992). While public services are carried out by a range of organizations that are involved as partners or intermediaries in the process, the nature of the relationship between local governments and other stakeholders in this new balance system is important. This study addresses the topic of local diplomacy through the example of the New York City Municipality, United States. The aim of the study is to investigate the local diplomacy activities and networks of the New York City Municipality and propose a model for Türkiye.

Keywords : Diplamcy, Local Diplomacy, Türkiye, Newyork.

Conference Name : International Conference on U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Relations (ICUSFPGR - 26)

Conference Place : Helsinki, Finland

Conference Date : 4th Feb 2026