This document discusses the evolution of diplomacy and the increasing role of cities in diplomacy. It notes that diplomacy now includes non-state actors like cities due to their economic and political importance. Cities are becoming more active in diplomacy through bilateral agreements and participation in multilateral networks and institutions. The document analyzes Dubai's city diplomacy, noting it has 32 partner cities but no strategic approach and does not lead in multilateral organizations. It concludes Dubai could improve its city diplomacy by creating a strategic framework to better coordinate actors and identify policy priorities.

1. Kai.bruns@aue.

2. RECONCEIVING DIPLOMACY?
F R O M T E L E G R A P H T O
S M A R T P H O N E
F R O M A D H O C
M I S S I O N S T O
P A R A D I P L O M A C Y
Research Question
How is the increasing importance of non-state actors,
particularly that of cities, changing the way we think
of diplomacy?

3. OVERVIEW
1. Conceptualization of diplomacy/ city diplomacy
• How did diplomacy change?
• Is city diplomacy diplomacy at all?
2. Increased importance of cities
• Why are cities becoming more active in diplomacy?
• Why do states tolerate NSAs in diplomacy?
3. City diplomacy network: bilateral and multilateral
• What are the areas and forms of city diplomacy?
4. Dubai’s outreach into the world
• How does Dubai structure its city diplomacy?

4. MODERN EVOLUTION OF DIPLOMACY
“The police in grand
costume”
(Napoleon, 1805)
“The science or art of
negotiation”
(Martens, 1866)
“Management of international
relations by negotiation, and
the method these relations are
adjusted by ambassadors and
envoys.” (Harold Nicolson, 1939)
1961 VCDR stresses the
diplomatic function
“Dialogue between states.”
(Adam Watson, 1982)
17th to 19th Post 1919 Post 1945 Post 1991
Reprensentation + Interaction in international system + States & NSA
Global
Governance
Para-
Diplomacy

5. CONCEPTUALIZING DIPLOMACY
G L O B A L G O V E R N A N C E
• Global challenges
cannot be met by
states alone
• Growing # NSA
• Juxta position to
diplomacy
P A R A D I P L O M A C Y
• 1970s new federalism
• Non-central but
governmental
• 3 dimensions:
• economic
• cultural cooperation
• political
Diplomacy has become more inclusive with changing
roles and legitimacy not only based on sovereignty but
also on expertise, interest and power to influence
outcomes.

6. INCREASED IMPORTANCE OF CITIES
„We are the level of government closest to the
majority of the world‘s people. We are directly
responsible for their well-being [...] So while nations
talk, but too often drag their heels – cities act.“
(Michael Bloomberg at 2013 Ministers and Mayors
Roundatble)
City Millenium 2014 %
Mumbai 12mio 19mio 58.3
Shanghai 14.35mio 23.5mio 63,8
Karachi 9.4mio 23.7mio 152
Dubai 0.9mio 2.2mio 144
2009 50% of world population lives in urban settings
2050 70% of world population lives in urban settings
• Asia and Africa: India, China, Indonesia & Nigeria
• Developing world: 1mio people every 5 days move to cities

7. Increased importance of cities

8. INCREASED IMPORTANCE OF CITIES
Cities are economic hubs of national importance
750 largest cities account for 57% of global
domestic product
New Climate Economy: by 2030 500 cities = 60%
GDP growth

9. Increased importance of cities
Source: The Economist

10. INCREASED IMPORTANCE OF CITIES
Growing economic and social importance has political
implications
Jacque Chirac
Mayor of Paris 1977-95
Willi Brandt
Mayor of Berlin 1957-66
??

11. INCREASED IMPORTANCE OF CITIES
W H Y D O S T A T E S T O L E R A T E N O N - S T A T E A C T O R S S U C H A S
C I T I E S ?
• Globalization, regionalization and localization
• Cession of competence to cities is the cure
• Better placed to seal business deals, more efficient
• Role of MFA changes from gatekeeper to ‘boundary
spanner’

12. CITY DIPLOMACY NETWORK*
* Adapted from Michele Acuto
City Diplomacy
Multilateral
Regime Building
International
Influence building
Hybridization of
governance
Diplomatic
Entrepreneurship
Normative
Mediation
Bilateral
Twinning
Agreements

13. MULTILATERAL CITY DIPLOMACY NETWORK
Multilateral City
Diplomacy Institutions
Metropolis
Mayors for
Peace
United Cities
and Local
Governments
(UCLG)
ICLEI Eurocities
Climate
Leadership
Group (C40)
League of
Cities
Organization
of Islamic
Capitals and
Ctiies

14. 3 THOUGHTS ON DUBAI‘S CITY DIPLOMACY
1. Dubai has 32 partner cities but no strategic approach to it nor to
multilateral participation in Metropolis, ICLEI, Mayors for
Peace…
2. Role models such as London & New York have outsourced and
strategically structured its global outreach
3. Partner cities and direct competitors such as Beirut, Istanbul or
Teheran take leadership in UCLG as Secretary-General or
President for MENA region
Twin Cities: Detroit, Geneva, Shanghai, Casablanca, Frankfurt, Guangzhou,
Osaka, Beirut, Dundee, Cold Coast, Moscow, Istanbul, Tripoli, Damascus,
Phoenix, Paris, Teheran, Tripoli, Istanbul, Baghdad, Caracas, New York,
Kuwait,…

15. World Cities Classification 2012
Connectivity and World Networking
Source: The World According to GaWC

16. DUBAI‘S CITY DIPLOMACY ACTORS

17. CHALLENGES TO DUBAI‘S CITY DIPLOMACY
1. No coherent policy is obstacle to governance excellence
2. Despite high ranking Dubai does not lead at city diplomacy level
3. Participation at multilateral level needs to be increased
4. Legitimate peer-representation necessary
5. Fragmantation of actorship might lead to competence overlap

18. CHANCES FOR DUBAI‘S CITY DIPLOMACY
1. Create a Strategic City Diplomacy Framework
2. Framework establishes performance indicators and shows how
to contribute to Dubai Plan 2021 & UAE Vision 2021
3. Define short, medium and long term goals and coordinate with
actors
4. Identify policy priorities according to urban challenges and
national interests
5. Policy framework will allow Dubai to take regional leadership in
city diplomacy

19. CONCLUSION
1. Conceptualization of diplomacy/ city diplomacy
• Diplomacy has become more inclusive as to NSAs
• Legitimacy: sovereignty & capability
2. Increased importance of cities
• Majority of people live in cities, ¾ by 2050
• Economic hubs producing great parts of GDP
3. City diplomacy network: bilateral and multilateral
• Cities have created a network of institutions
• C40, Mayors for Peace, UCLG, ICLEI, Eurocities
4. Dubai’s outreach into the world
• Decentralized approach with 32 partner cities
• Main actors: #Dmunicipality, #ExecutiveCouncil,
#DCCI