The Expanding Role of State and Local Government in US Foreign Affairs

Throughout much of the world, two seemingly paradoxical trends are occurring simultaneously. Countries are becoming ever more integrated economically - and in some cases politically - but power is devolving from national governments to regional and local governments. Earl Fry explores the forces behind the rise of state and local influence in foreign affairs. As Americans become increasingly involved beyond US borders - whether through trade, immigration, travel, or the Internet - the federal government is less able to regulate the multiple strands of US involvement in the world. State and local governments increasingly shape the ways Americans cope with the outside world. Fry suggests how the different levels of US government can best share the conduct of international relations. Earl H. Fry is professor of political science and Endowed Professor of Canadian Studies at Brigham Young University.