Paradiplomacy in Hungary: a new research topic?

Abstract

Paradiplomacy has an extensive body of international literature, but Hungarian research is more limited and one-sided. The aim of the study is to present the current state of Hungarian research efforts related to subnational diplomacy and the Hungarian-language literature on this topic. The literature analysis uses the traditional literature review methodology and examines both bilateral (twin city partnerships, cross-border cooperation) and multilateral relations of local and regional governments (participation in international networks; advocacy in international/EU institutions). The results show that the vast majority of studies related to the international activities of domestic subnational actors deal only with bilateral twinning relations, while the issue of the relationship of local and regional governments with international (especially EU) institutions and their participation in international/European local government networks has received little attention from Hungarian researchers.