Decentralized International Cooperation

Since adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international cooperation has acquired a new dynamism, promoting global development-oriented alliances. In this context, regional and local governments have found a key space to strengthen their cooperation links and encourage local development. Decentralized cooperation, based on exchanging good practices, knowledge, and financial resources, allows regional governments and autonomous communities to work together to achieve common objectives. Although its origins in Europe date back to the 1980s, decentralized cooperation has gained prominence recently as a key tool for subnational entities, for example, between countries in the Global South. This model promotes the autonomy of local governments, boosting their capacities and encouraging their internationalization, although it should not be confused with the internationalization process itself. This chapter analyzes the role of decentralized cooperation within paradiplomacy, highlighting how sub-state entities interact, collaborate, and complement strategies that improve the well-being of citizens while supporting national efforts to fulfil global commitments.