Qualitative Studies on Paradiplomacy

This chapter focuses on applying qualitative methodology in the study of paradiplomacy. It examines the relevance of qualitative research's ontological and epistemological perspectives and its vital data collection methods in capturing the complex interactions between local governments and foreign actors. Among the latter, it gives particular attention to case studies, interviews, ethnography, participant observation, open-ended surveys and document analysis. It demonstrates how qualitative methodology provides valuable insights into the motivations, strategies, and impacts of paradiplomacy. It also addresses the challenges researchers may face, such as access to data or securing interviews. It argues that with the expanding role of subnational entities in global governance paralleled with the significant variability in paradiplomatic practices across different governance structures, qualitative research methodology offers context-sensitive approaches that significantly contribute to a deeper understanding of how local governments shape and are shaped by the global political landscape.