A paradiplomacia e a internacionalização de cidades criativas: um estudo de caso para Santa Maria, RS

Abstract

The post-Cold War context and the rise of globalization have triggered profound transformations in the international system, creating opportunities for the international involvement of non-state actors, such as subnational entities, in a practice known as paradiplomacy. This phenomenon has emerged as a means for local and regional governments to engage in internationalrelations, aiming to achieve political, economic, and social outcomes on a global scale. In this scenario, this study underscores the relevance of paradiplomacy for small and medium-sized cities in Brazil that recognize creativity as a fundamental element for development. The focus is on a case study applied to the municipality of Santa Maria, RS, exploring its potential candidacy and subsequent integration into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). By employing an inductive approach, historical procedures, and case studies, three specific objectives are outlined: 1) conduct a literature review on creative cities, paradiplomacy, and international city networks, along with an investigation of the guidelines and criteria established by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for membership and participation; 2) analyze Santa Maria's creative potential, identifying sectors with greater development viability and mapping the creative economy to define its primary creative area; and 3) develop a specific practical internationalization project for Santa Maria, exploring paradiplomacy strategies and aligning local initiatives with the creative city agenda, aiming for the municipality's accession to the UCCN.