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California has become the world’s sixth largest economy. The opportunity must be taken
Article

California has become the world’s sixth largest economy. The opportunity must be taken


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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Eye Opening
  • Overview
  • Visionary

Recommendation

California – long known for its movie production, rich agriculture and dazzling coastline – also wears the mantle of the world’s sixth biggest economy. Yet despite its economic clout, the state falls short when it comes to promoting global trade and forging agreements with foreign governments that could benefit its citizens. Consultant and investment banker Rodrigo Tavares takes a critical look at the problem and suggests general solutions that government officials in California and other regions could implement. getAbstract recommends this eye-opening article to state and local authorities interested in extending their international reach and influencing global policy. 

Summary

California is among the growing number of larger states, regions and cities that are forging their own, separate paths in global relations. These “subnational entities” have inked deals with foreign governments, set up trade missions and enrolled in international alliances to confront issues of local concern, such as climate change or immigration. In the United States, about 40 states maintain foreign offices.

While this “paradiplomacy” is on the rise, local leadership remains disjointed and uncoordinated. Some states and cities take an active role in global outreach efforts, while ...

About the Author

Rodrigo Tavares is founder and president of the Granito Group.