Practice Theory and Discourse Analysis

This chapter applies practice theory and discourse analysis to the study of paradiplomacy. The chapter focuses on multiple practices, conceived as the various things that subnational entities ‘say’ and ‘do’, including well-known practices such as sister city relationships, study tours, or economic development missions, and lesser-known practices such as gifting and exhibiting. It is argued that foregrounding practice when explaining the phenomenon of paradiplomacy emphasizes how regions and cities construct a status as international actors and insert themselves into global governance. This chapter summarizes the main ideas of practice theory and discourse analysis and explains how they can be applied to understand subnational entities’ foreign activity. To show how this approach can be used to study cases of paradiplomacy, the case of Chengdu, China's array of city diplomacy practices, is analyzed. Specifically, the chapter interprets Chengdu's networking, conferencing, exhibiting, event-organizing, gift-giving, and gardening practices. It is argued that these practices have political, economic, epistemological, and symbolic meaning and consequences for Chengdu's identity, prosperity, and reputation.