Cities and States: The Future of International Politics | Emmet Hollingshead | TEDxMacalesterCollege

Summary

This speech highlights the transformative impact of local and state governments on international politics through initiatives like the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), which fosters global connections. It underscores the role of smaller actors in influencing international issues, such as trade, climate change, diplomacy, and human rights. Examples include states establishing foreign trade offices, coalitions combating climate change, and cities declaring themselves human rights cities, demonstrating the growing significance of subnational entities in shaping global governance.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker's internship at Global Minnesota opened their eyes to the significant role local organizations and governments can play on the global stage.
• 🌟 The International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) is a State Department-funded initiative that brings international leaders to the U.S. to foster personal connections and exchange ideas.
• 🏛️ Local and state governments are increasingly engaging in international politics, often with more direct impact on citizens' lives than national or multinational entities.
• 💼 The concept of 'local to local internationalism' is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of relationships between smaller political actors.
• 🌳 State governments are taking the lead on international trade, with some opening foreign trade offices to attract investment and support local businesses in global markets.
• 🌍 States are forming international coalitions to combat climate change, going beyond national policies to collaborate on renewable energy and emissions reductions.
• 🏙️ Cities are declaring themselves 'human rights cities,' aligning local policies with international human rights norms and promoting these values within their communities.
• 🤝 State and local governments are building political connections abroad, influencing international diplomacy and demonstrating their capacity to act independently in global affairs.
• 🌱 The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Global Covenant of Mayors are examples of subnational entities working together to address environmental challenges.
• 📈 State and local governments' actions in areas like trade, climate change, and human rights are indicative of a growing trend towards global governance at the local level.

Q & A

What was the speaker's major and area of interest?

The speaker was an international studies and political science major with an interest in international politics and governance.

At which nonprofit organization did the speaker intern?

The speaker interned at a nonprofit called Global Minnesota.

What is the primary goal of Global Minnesota?

Global Minnesota works to connect the local to the international.

What is the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP)?

IVLP is a program that brings local leaders from abroad to the U.S. to interact with professionals of similar backgrounds, often described as 'study abroad for adults'.

How long do the trips in the IVLP last and how long do participants stay in each city?

The trips in the IVLP last for two to three weeks, with participants staying in each city for three or four days.

What is the concept of 'local to local internationalism' mentioned in the script?

The concept of 'local to local internationalism' refers to the idea that local organizations and governments can play a significant role on the world stage and build personal connections across borders.

How are state and local governments in the U.S. influencing international trade?

State and local governments are influencing international trade by opening their own foreign trade offices abroad to facilitate trade relationships and attract foreign investment.

What is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and how does it work?

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is a market-based program that allows provinces and states in Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. to participate in a common carbon market to reduce CO2 emissions.

How are cities managing relationships abroad by building political connections?

Cities are managing relationships abroad by building political connections through initiatives like the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and the Global Parliament of Mayors, which bring local and urban concerns to international policymaking forums.

What is the significance of cities declaring themselves as 'human rights cities'?

Cities declaring themselves as 'human rights cities' is significant because it shows political recognition of human rights norms and allows local governments to structure their policies around international human rights agreements.

Why are state and local governments' roles in international politics important?

State and local governments' roles in international politics are important because they can have a direct impact on citizens' lives and provide opportunities for individuals to influence global issues through local actions and policies.