The International Dimension of Second-Level Local Governments: The Case of the Province of Barcelona.

Why do local governments take part in international initiatives and how do they do it? Are those initiatives useful and cost-effective? This paper aims at analyzing the reasons and formulas behind the international activities of second-level local governments by taking the example of one of the most dynamic Spanish provinces. In order to do so, a description of the Diputació de Barcelona (Barcelona Provincial Council)'s international activities illustrates to what extend second-level local governments pursue their own international strategy (both through direct activities and facilitating the international initiatives of their municipalities). An analysis of the goals, mechanisms and budget that the Province devotes to its international efforts leads us to reflect on the specificity, utility and limits of the international action of this type of local governments. Finally, the paper works towards the elaboration of a cost-benefit analysis of the international dimension of local governments, arguing that the international activities of second-level local governments provide an added value to the traditional forms of international relations and yet beg for better coordination mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]