Analysing the Asymmetry in Decentralised International Co-operation: The Case of Brazil/Europe Sub-national Relations

Froio, Liliana Ramalho; Medeiros, Marcelo de Almeida

doi:10.1590/S0102-8529.2019420200005

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Research Articles • Contexto int. 42 (2) • May-Aug 2020 • https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-8529.2019420200005 copy

Analysing the Asymmetry in Decentralised International Co-operation: The Case of Brazil/Europe Sub-national Relations

Analisando a Assimetria na Cooperação Internacional Descentralizada: O Caso das Relações Subnacionais Brasil/Europa

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

The article analyses the decentralised international co-operation between Brazil and Europe, focusing on two specific issues that are not the main objectives of the literature specialised in paradiplomacy studies: first, how international co-operation can be used as a tool for power projection and second, the effects that the economic, political and institutional asymmetry among the actors involved in co-operation arrangements produces on the co-operation outcomes. For that, a wide range of documents and data was used (interviews, official documents, minutes of meetings and data collected with a survey applied to public managers) related to the international co-operation developed between Brazil and European countries. The conclusions are that even in decentralised co-operation arrangements, power relations matter to the results of co-operation.

Keywords
decentralised international co-operation; sub-national relations; asymmetry; Brazil; Europe.

Activity	Description
Political representation abroad	Signals the constituent unit’s wishes to further expand and deepen the existing co-operation beyond the level of traditional diplomatic relations or to facilitate contact with strategic partners. Usually working closely with the diplomacy of the central government.
Treaty-making power	Creates substantial content-based co-operation with other partners. Builds and enhances the international legal recognition of the respective subunit. Depends on the legal power given to the subunits or gained by them.
Formal agreements	Declarations of intent, memoranda of understanding, co-operation agreements, transnational contracts, cultural agreements or partnerships. They are non-enforceable and do not compel the contracting parties to follow up on or implement their initial intention to co-operate. Much more flexible compared to the rather rigid structure of formal treaties.
Programmes of assistance and sharing of know-how	Bilateral programmes, programmes on cross-boundary co-operation, programmes that want to bring together the civil societies of the region and other regions/countries.
Detachment	Professional training – send out a limited number of regional officials to work externally for a short period of time in order to gain further experience.
Other forms of participation in multilateral frameworks and organisations	Observation of or participation in (technical) committees, the creation of or participation in funds within multilateral organisations, by becoming an associate member of multilateral organisations. Access to important multilateral debates that affect their internal competencies.
Participation in other formal and informal networks	Attempt to set the international agenda, bring the necessary know-how and actors together to achieve specific goals, learn from other regions with similar or different experiences.
Developing a public diplomacy	Personal or regional promotion. Publicity. Making the international public more familiar with the reputation of the region.
Subcontracting to associations, non-profit societies, or third parties	Attempt to utilise the know-how and networks of societal groups to advance the policy goals.
Political statements	Attempt to have their voice heard. To position themselves politically.
Going abroad and foreign missions	The means through which official contacts are created and maintained. Trade promotion, participation in international exhibitions, technical visits, prospecting visits.

	Germany	France	Spain
% of projects	26%	24%	6.6%
Main Brazilian states	Amazonas (12.8%); Pará (12.8%); Acre (10.2%); Bahia (7.7%); Pernambuco (7.7%)	Goiás (11.4%); Pará (11.4%); São Paulo (11.4%); Minas Gerais (11.4%)	Paraíba (20%)
Main sectors	Economic development (43.6%); environment (20.5%); public administration (20.5%)	Economic development (50%); environment (25%); technology (16%)	Public administration (40%); economic development (20%); tourism (20%)
Regions	North (44.7%) and Northeast (34.2%); Southeast (13.2%); South (7.9%); Midwest (0)	Southeast (25.7%); North (22.8%); Northeast (22.8%); Midwest (20.2%); South (8.5%)	Northeast (70%); South (20%); Southeast (10%); North (0); Midwest (0)

How does the state operate internationally
Average		South	Southeast	Midwest	North	Northeast
Has an active posture and a defined strategy	33.5 %	52 %	59%	20%	25.8%	14.8%
Has an active posture but an unplanned strategy	43.4 %	39%	33%	44%	45%	51.8%
Has a passive posture, acts only on demand and does not have a defined strategy	23.1 %	9%	8%	36%	29.2%	33.4%

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Relações Internacionais Rua Marques de São Vicente, 225 - Casa 20 , 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil, Tel.: (55 21) 3527-2284, Fax: (55 21) 3527-1560 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil
E-mail: cintjournal@puc-rio.br

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[1] Liliana Ramalho Froio received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE, Recife, Brazil) in 2015. She is Full Professor of History of International Relations at the Department of International Relations of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB, João Pessoa, Brazil) and at the Postgraduate Program in Political Science and International Relations (PPGCPRI/UFPB). She was International Affairs Advisor at the Undersecretariat for Federative Affairs of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil (2013-2014). Her research has focused largely on paradiplomacy and decentralised international co-operation, especially the international relations practices of Brazilian subnational states and municipalities. She coordinates the observatory ‘Internacionalização Descentralizada em Foco’ (www.idef-ufpb.com.br).