Paradiplomacy as a Diplomatic Broker: Between Separating Differences and Engaging Commonalities (Brill Research Perspectives)

Since the publication of Der Derian s seminal work "On Diplomacy," diplomacy has been thought of as the mediation of estrangement between separated individuals, groups or political entities. In "Paradiplomacy as a Diplomatic Broker," Manuel Duran focuses on paradiplomacy, the diplomatic practices of sub-state entities. He presents paradiplomacy as a specific site of diplomatic mediation, striking a middle ground between realist power play and the humanist need to connect to and engage with others. Indeed, the mediating of estrangement can be situated between both extremes of a continuum, with on the one hand absolute humanist diplomacy, aimed at rescinding all forms of separation between peoples, and on the other hand absolute power play diplomacy, maximizing these differences."