City Diplomacy and the Europeanisation of Local Government

This book assesses the processes and outcomes of international urban networks in Europe from 2007 to the present day. Focusing on Greece in particular, it examines 162 municipalities involved in more than 240 European city networks to shed light on the various factors that affect cities' capacities to act as international actors. The book demonstrates that the participation of Greek municipalities in European city networks has entailed changes to local political structures, policies and procedures, as well as the strengthening of a 'European' identity and the creation of long-term partnerships. At the same time, these changes have often clashed with bureaucratic traditions and unfavorable economic conditions, which have mitigated the reformatory potential of European city networking. Providing important insights into city diplomacy and Europeanization, the book will appeal to scholars and students of public administration, European integration and political science, as well as professionals and practitioners.

Examines city networking and diplomacy in Greece Draws on interviews with officials in more than 100 municipalities Appeals to academics, policymakers and practitioners

Autorentext
Antonios Karvounis is a member of the educational staff at the Hellenic Open University, Greece. He is also Head of the Department of International and European Relations at the Hellenic Republic Ministry of Interior.

Inhalt
1: Introduction.- 2: The Governance of International City Networks.- 3: The Paradiplomacy of International City Networks.- 4: Europeanisation as a Concept.- 5: The European and National Frameworks of City Networking.- 6: The European Networking of Greek Local Government.- 7: The Dimensions and Limits of Europeanisation in Greek Local Governance.- 8: Conclusion: The Prospects of European Networking and Greek Local Government.