American Paradiplomacy: How do US States and Governors Respond to Economic Crises?

US states and governors have been involved in the foreign economic arena since the 1950s, primarily concerned with activities related to the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) and promotion of exports. As the globalized world developed in the 20th century, US states placed personnel overseas and increasingly sent governors abroad. These activities continue today as governors and US state leaders seek to build economic stability for their communities. This study examines the ability of US states' international representatives and governors to help attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and promote exports. Analyzing new data collected from all 50 states, the paper assesses governor-led trade and investment missions and US states' representatives abroad, the tools used most often in American economic paradiplomacy but not adequately measured and tested in the literature. Results show that US-state level and individual-level variables matter and governors' travels and US states' international offices help with FDI and exports, thereby informing US states' strategies for economic development. As glocalization increases due to the global economy, this topic has possibilities for better connecting domestic and international politics, especially since subnational leaders in Asia, Europe, North and South America now participate in paradiplomacy. This topic also reminds scholars of the avenues for research using qualitative and quantitative methodology to evaluate subnational governments' connections with foreign relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]