Urban diplomacy and complexity

The literature on international relations extensively examines the role and interactions of sub-state and non-state actors in the international arena. A first formulation is that of J. Nye with the concept of soft power, which will inspire, among other things, the public diplomacy of the United States. Similarly, this author would later propose a strategic …

Have you heard about the “waw” effect?

Originally posted by EURE Project (INTERREG EUROPE) in April 2020 “For years, cities around the world have joined the search for a particular identity to differentiate themselves, juggling between marketing and branding. In 2012, Bill Baker established a fundamental difference between them: “Branding is based on long-term strategy, while marketing is strategic (or should be), …

The Atlantic Arc: a raw-macro region?

Originally posted by RSA Blog (2018) Stochiero describes a macroregion as “a pragmatic approach to the need to find new ways for public policy to become more effective in a large multi-level cross-border area, with better coordination of existing institutions and resources”. This approach was confirmed by the creation of the Baltic Strategy. In the …

Are cities cool? Insights for Urban Agendas

Originally posted at Atlantic Cities’ Blogactiv (October 2017) Written at the request of the publishers The title of the book “Cool Cities”, written by Benjamin Barber, plays with the different dimensions of climate change that can be tackled at local level and even the mood for doing it. It is thus, an integrated metaphor of …

Rock your international meetings!

As a participant Many times in your international career you’ll be called to participate at events abroad (conferences, fairs, workshops,etc…) It is an effort (and expense) so better get prepared to get the most out of it. As from my experience after 12 years working in the international scene, I may give you some advice. …

Searching for Synergies on Climate Change Strategies

Initially published by YPLD and republished in Atlantic Cities’ blog (September 2014) Many studies affirm the importance of the local level when tackling climate change. Cities concentrate the most part of the population, the energy consumption and the pollution due to transports. Thus, local authorities are the best placed to find significant tools to reduce the …