City Diplomacy Within the Framework of Modern Cross-Border Cooperation

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present the key characteristics of a city diplomacy phenomenon within modern cross-border cooperation. Modern megacities with their complex structure are interesting objects to study not only as centers of economic development, trade, technology, and intercultural dialogue but also as actors largely influencing the development of processes at the macro-regional and micro-regional levels. The dynamics of the development of municipal and business contacts, as well as the implementation of projects, allows to conclude that the twinned ties will continue to strengthen in the long term. The analysis takes into account the theoretical and practical aspects of the modern development of twin cities partnership and especially its increasing role in the interstate cross-border cooperation within the modern crises. Today, speaking about strategic integration projects within interstate partnership, it is important to consider the role of large cities – centers of business life and innovation. New urban infrastructure is formed; new conditions are created for the implementation of major international business projects; investments are attracted; innovative educational technologies are developed to train future experts on topical issues of modern urbanism and effective management of a modern city. The research is based on the systematic approach of the city diplomacy process which manifests itself in the specifics of the twin cities cooperation, development of the common investment and cultural projects, increasing role of twin cities as actors of the international relations, etc. The key milestones of the city diplomacy evolution are revealed.