Sister City Research Articles

The art of asymmetry in sister city relationships factors analysis

This research aims to bridge the literature gap in the study of Asymmetric Relations. So far, studies on Asymmetric Relations only explain bilateral relations between countries in cooperation, both economic and political. On the other hand, cooperation between countries is no longer dominated by the central Government alone; cooperation between regional governments has also emerged. It contributed to strengthening the discussion regarding Asymmetric Relations, where the study of Asymmetric Relations also explained that the Regional Government carried out the Sister City Partnership. This research uses a qualitative approach focusing on thematic analysis through the results of document examination in previous research. The analysis tool used is NVivo 12 Plus. The research results show an asymmetric relationship in the Sister City Relationships collaboration based on the relationship between the actors involved. This research identifies three factors behind the asymmetric relationship in SCR, namely the decentralization factor, which gives rise to an asymmetric relationship in the relationship between the Central and Regional Governments in SCR partnership; paradiplomacy factors that gave rise to asymmetrical relationships between Regional Governments and Communities involved in SCR partnership; and interdependence factors that give rise to asymmetry in relations between partner cities. The inequality between actors is what causes SCR partnerships to become asymmetrical. It further strengthens the argument that the Asymmetric Relations study can be developed to analyze relations between sub-countries.

Pariwisata Era Ekonomi Digital: Sebuah Implementasi Pilar Kebijakan Poros Maritim di Era Jokowi dalam Konteks Paradiplomacy

This paper discusses the role of paradiplomacy in implementing the World Maritime Axis policy in the field of tourism in the digital economy era. With the method of qualitative analysis the writer finds that paradiplomasi plays an active role in the effort to realize the implementation of the World Maritime Axis which is the domain of President Jokowi. Paradiplomasi conducts international cooperation in the form of sister city to promote national tourism which is certainly the leader of the Indonesian sector in the state budget revenues. This then becomes ediplomacy for local governments and becomes a benchmark in creating e-government and ends in good governance in regional economic development in line with national economy. That is why, hopefully this study is able to become a prescription and become a reference in building an integrated state with the 4.0 era 4.0.

Freddy Mamani’s Cholets for Export

The Bolivian Aymara architect Freddy Mamani has constructed more than sixty brightly colored cholets in El Alto, a migrant sister city to La Paz, Bolivia. These fantastical constructions are neither pure romantic manifestations of an Aymara cosmovision nor only superficial decorations that symbolize the Aymara Indigenous peoples’ entry into capitalism. Instead, they reflect the complexity and contradictions of dynamic urban Indigenous identity in a globalized world. The article is the first of its kind to consider cholets outside a Bolivian context. The article illustrates how cholets have been constructed out of imported products and, in turn, transformed into exportable objects for global consumption. Via analyzing a range of visual media—photography, documentary, and museum installations—I make the case that in the process of exportation, the cholets are converted into decorative objects that risk obfuscating the long class and racial struggles of the Aymara as they have resisted, and embraced, global capitalism’s imperatives.

Economic and Cultural Partnership Opportunities between Kupang and Chiba Cities through Sister City Cooperation

The Kupang city government has officially proposed a sister city partnership with Chiba, Japan, through representatives of the Japanese government in Bali. This proposal, currently in the initial stages, aims to explore the potential economic and cultural benefits of such a collaboration. This cooperation involves the governments of Kupang City and Chiba City in enhancing economic and cultural cooperation between the two, with the aim of increasing cooperation in trade, investment, and culture, as well as increasing cooperation in education, technology, and infrastructure. This research identifies Chiba as an ideal partner for Kupang, given their various economic and cultural similarities and complementary potentials. By employing qualitative research methods, this study comprehensively examined the prospective advantages of the sister-city relationship. The findings revealed significant opportunities for both cities, including the establishment of an international trade route between Kupang and Chiba and the creation of a central institution dedicated to the research and preservation of their cultures. Based on these insights, the study recommends that the city governments of Kupang and Chiba initiate negotiations and formalize their sister city cooperation, as the anticipated benefits would substantially enhance the development and prosperity of both cities.

Evaluating the Impact of Sister City Cooperation between Bandung and Kawasaki on Environmental Sustainability

This research provided an in-depth analysis of the role of paradiplomacy practiced by the Government of South Sulawesi Province in enhancing agricultural exports to Egypt. The study utilized a conceptual framework integrating Paradiplomacy and International Trade, focusing on the impact of paradiplomacy policies on export volumes. The methodology was rooted in descriptive research, aiming to depict the findings clearly and comprehensively. Results indicated that the Government of South Sulawesi Province engages in the form of paradiplomacy termed global paradiplomacy, acting as a facilitator in international trade. Effective strategies for promoting exports included personal selling, public relations through webinars and training sessions, and participation in trade exhibitions. The research highlighted the crucial role of regional governments in boosting agricultural export volumes, supported by efforts in infrastructure development and service improvements. The application of global paradiplomacy enabled the Government of South Sulawesi Province to autonomously establish trade relations and expand market access to Egypt, leading to a significant increase in agricultural exports. This study offered a comprehensive overview of how paradiplomacy practices can positively impact regional agricultural exports, emphasizing the successful export promotion strategies and their outcomes. The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of paradiplomacy in fostering regional economic growth through international trade expansion.

The Purpose of Sister City Collaboration between Malang and Fuqing, China

This study aims to explore the motifs behind the collaboration between Malang and Fuqing, China. Through the MRQ approach, this research analyzes how the motif of education emerges as a response to Fuqing's best practices in effective educational management. Furthermore, the study also identifies agricultural motifs driven by the significant potential of Fuqing as a soybean producer, aligning with Malang's characteristics as a tempeh producer. The results of the study indicate that the collaboration between Malang and Fuqing is driven by the real needs and potentials in both cities. This study successfully addresses research question (MRQ) number 3 regarding intercity cooperation through the lens of collaboration motifs. The implications of this research have a significant impact on strengthening the understanding of the dynamics of intercity cooperation, as well as providing a broader perspective on the importance of cross-regional collaboration in advancing local development.

Evolving connections: Understanding the dynamics behind the Sino-foreign sister city network

Sister city relationships bolster trust and facilitate deeper interactions between international cities, acting as key enablers for transnational cooperation. However, less is known about the driving factors for the dynamic evolution of sister city networks. Accordingly, our study leverages data from Sino-foreign sister cities and applies the stochastic actor-oriented model (SAOM) to analyze the evolution process of these networks. We examine the driving roles of network structure characteristics, sister city attributes, and control variables. Key findings include that network density (outdegree) positively and insignificantly influences the formation of these networks, while activity plus popularity foster these connections. For city attributes, institutional distance and geographical similarity (both coastal cities) play a positive driving force in the development of sister cities. By contrast, cultural distance similarity negatively affects the dynamic development of these ties. Most interestingly, three control variables exhibit different effects on Sino-foreign sister city networks. Economic level and opening-up degree of cities exert positive and significant effects on the evolution of networks. By comparison, the effect of resource endowment of cities on network evolution presents a negative and significant driving force. In addition, this study also examines spatial heterogeneity in the evolution of Sino-foreign sister city relationships across different continents. These findings can help urban diplomacy practitioners to formulate and implement sister city planning policies and promote the efficiency of Sino-foreign cities in establishing sister city relationships.

Governing Sister City: Global Collaboration and Local Operation

This research aims to analyze the governance of a sister city from the perspective of local governments in Indonesia. It seeks to answer questions, such as why South Korea and Indonesia continue working together despite the cessation of activities during certain periods. It focuses on the dynamic of this cooperation management, the actors involved, and their roles. This research uses a qualitative method to collect data through interviews with informants from local governments and nongovernmental agencies, which serve as key supporting components. Results showed three types of outcome: dynamic, effective, and unimplemented cooperation. Three factors explain these outcomes: administrative support, local government capacity, and leadership. In addition, the nature of cooperation has evolved from being limited to government agencies to involving nongovernmental agencies, thereby strengthening the phenomenon of decentralized governance. These results are evidence of local government agencies' decentralized cooperation, which extends beyond national borders and involves nongovernmental agencies.

Türkiye'de İl ve Belediye Düzeyinde Kurulan Kardeş Kent İlişkileri Üzerine Bir Analiz

Kardeş kent ilişkileri, yerel yönetimlerin uluslararası ilişkilerinin önemli bir bölümünü oluşturmaktadır. Türkiye’de kardeş kent ilişkilerine yönelik çalışmalar sayı ve kapsam olarak sınırlıdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, il düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kentler ile o illere bağlı belediyeler düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kentler arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmaktır. Çalışma bulgularına göre; Türkiye’de il düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kent sayısı ile belediye düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kent sayısı arasında yüksek ve pozitif yönlü bir ilişki bulunmaktadır. Türkiye’de il düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kentlerin coğrafi dağılımı ile o ile bağlı belediye düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kentlerinin coğrafi dağılımı benzerlik göstermektedir. İl ve belediye düzeyinde kurulan kardeş kent ilişkilerinin ve kardeş kent seçiminin beşer yıllık yerel seçim dönemleri içinde ilişkisel bir anlam taşımadığı, kardeş kent kurma sürecinin kentsel siyasetin kısa dönemli etkilerinden ziyade daha geniş bir zaman dilimine yayılan uzun bir süreç olduğu anlaşılmıştır.

Analyzing The Implementation of Green-Economy Inclusive Strategy in East Java Province Through Urban Good Governance in Green-Economy Framework: The Case of Surabaya

The global uncertainty has forced countries including Indonesia to look on ways to stabilize themselves, one of them being the implementation of green-economy development. The lack of inclusive and environmental-oriented policy has created an urgency for East Java Province to prioritize the green-economy implementation. Therefore this paper analyzes a possible implementation of green-economy through Surabaya City’s green-economy concept. This city is chosen due to its status being the only city in East Java to have the Green Sister City Surabaya-Kitakyushu program. This paper uses green economy city development which has four main dimensions which are; decision making process, Implementation Capacity, green economy system and the socio-ecological dimension. A qualitative-descriptive method will be used in this paper, along with a thematic analysis technique to deeply explain the topic at hand. The result of this research is a strategy that can be referenced by Surabaya to develop the green-economy city as the city already has its basis, especially in its society’s system in approaching green-economy aspects. Aside of that, this research also presents 3 strategies of implementing green-economy policies for cities throughout East Java Province. These strategies are intended for those cities to be able to take the first step in developing a green-economy city by deeper understanding of local context, policy & capacity development, and monitoring & evaluation.

COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE IN ENHANCHING SURABAYA'S TOURISM THROUGH SISTER CITY COOPERATION

This research was written to analyze the collaboration of actors involved in sister city cooperation between Surabaya City and Kitakyushu City in developing Ecotourism Mangrove Wonorejo to become one of the tourist destinations that can contribute to improving Surabaya's tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. As previously known, since the COVID-19 pandemic there have been many sectors affected and caused losses, one of which is the tourism sector. Surabaya city is one of the cities whose tourism sector development is also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is evidenced by the many tourism destinations of Surabaya city that were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of which is Ecotourism Mangrove Wonorejo. Although closed, when the easing of PPKM Ecotourism Mangrove Wonorejo is one of the tourist destinations that opened and became an alternative tourist destination during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study that uses qualitative research methods with the use of the concept of Collaborative Governance and Sister City, the results of this study will explain the collaboration between the Surabaya City Government, Kitakyushu City Government, private parties, the public, and agencies / academics in realizing the improvement of surabaya tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic through wonorejo mangrove forest ecotourism. Keywords: Collaborative Governance, Surabaya City, Tourism, Sister City

TÜRKİYE’DE AFET YÖNETİMİ VE YENİ BİR MODEL ÖNERİSİ: KARDEŞ ŞEHİR AFET YÖNETİM MODELİ

The concept of interaction, which has found more space in international relations with globalization, has also expanded the field of action of local governments. Sister city relations are among the international collaborations of local governments representing cities, regions and states. Managers of Washington-Hyogo, California-Osaka and Hawaii-Hiroshima sister cities in the USA and Japan and managers various regional non-governmental organizations made some recommendations at the end of the three-day conference process where lessons learned and best practices on planning, preparation and response to natural disasters were shared. Taking these recommendations into consideration, sister city relations were considered as a disaster management model in the context of local governments at national level. In the model, city pairings were made by taking into consideration factors such as fault line, population, cities not being close to each other, geographical location, etc. The main purpose of these pairings is to prevent managerial uncertainty and other weaknesses that may arise in the event of a possible disaster and to take action quickly. With the sister city disaster management model, it is thought that sharing the knowledge and experiences of sister cities regarding past disasters among themselves will provide significant contributions to the cities.

Connect Globally, Thrive Locally: The Spillover Effect of Sister-City Inward FDI on Regional Innovation

Sister cities are a prevalent form of subnational intergovernmental relationships. Such relationships can play an important role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). However, we know little about whether and how these relationships influence the localized impacts of FDI in host countries, which is pivotal in achieving the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. By integrating the literature on FDI spillover and sister cities, our study proposes that the higher the FDI percentage received by a city from its sister city, the greater the number of patents applied for by firms in that city. Our sample consists of 7273 inward FDI projects into China from 1558 cities in 77 countries between 2003 and 2008. The analysis results support our assumption. We also find that this positive effect is stronger when FDI projects are from recently established sister cities, when the asymmetry in the global economic networks of the two sister cities is smaller, and when regional marketization in host-country is higher.

Faktor-Faktor Penyebab Berkembangnya Aktivitas Paradiplomasi Kota Padang dan Kota Hildesheim Pada Tahun 1988-2022

In 1988, the local government of Indonesia and the government of German federation established paradiplomacy activities in the form of Padang-Hildesheim sister city cooperation. This sister city cooperation has an interesting pattern because the formation of this cooperation not accordance with the provisions for the formation of sister city cooperation, specifically on the basis of similar characteristics and superior regional potential. However, Padang-Hildesheim sister city cooperation has been able to develop for 34 years and it remains active today. The purpose of this study is to identify the causative factors of paradiplomacy development in Padang City and Hildesheim City in 1988 using the concept of paradiplomacy by Alexander S. Kuznetsov. This research is a qualitative descriptive research using primary and secondary data. The results of this study show factors that led the development of Padang-Hildesheim paradiplomacy activities in 1988-2022 from the perspective of Padang City are globalization, democratization, foreign policy domestication, decentralization, problems with the nation-building process, asymmetry of the constituent units, the external stimulus, and the role of regional leaders. Meanwhile, factors that led the development of Padang-Hildesheim paradiplomacy activities in 1988-2022 from the perspective of the Hildesheim City are globalization, foreign policy domestication, federalization, asymmetry of the constituent units, external stimulus, and the role of political parties.

History of International Relations of Cities of Arkhangelsk Region in 1990s — 2010s: Transition from Social-Humanitarian to Trade-Economic Cooperation

The article discusses the development of international sister city relations in the 1990s — 2010s using the example of the Arkhangelsk region. The authors provide an overview of existing approaches in historiography to analyzing municipal-level international partnership relations in different regions of Russia and the world. Based on a wide range of sources, including international agreements, federal and regional regulatory acts, and reporting documentation over the past 30 years, the article pays particular attention to the region’s attempts in the 2000s — 2010s to move from exclusively social-humanitarian cooperation to developing economic ties with partner cities and regions. The real impact of sister city relations on the development of external economic ties in the region is analyzed in detail, as well as changes in the share of countries with which partner relations were established in the overall external trade turnover of the Arkhangelsk region. The authors conclude that there is currently no state regulation of the institution of sister city relations at the federal and regional levels. Such a situation creates serious difficulties for further development of this institution of public diplomacy, expanding the external economic activities of Russian regions, and spreading Russia’s “soft power” in the world.

Uluslararası Düzeyde Kardeş Kentlerin Eşleşme Eğilimleri Üzerine Bir Araştırma

Sister cities were initially intended to create post-war friendships and cultural linkages. During this
 period, sister city relationships were mostly formed based on similarities such as names, cultural
 or historical links. In the 1970s, there was an increase in mutual understanding aimed at sister city
 relations, as well as a shift in the pattern of friendly relations. Relations are based on the availability of
 mutually beneficial advantages for a wide range of goals, including trade, investment, economy, tourism,
 health, and the environment. Issues of trade, economy, and development, which have recently become
 increasingly essential for cities, have begun to be debated in the context of sister city connections. As
 a result, municipal cooperation decisions in sister city connections have become increasingly crucial.
 Especially in the choice of partnership, political or emotional decisions prevent effective cooperation.
 The purpose of the study is to determine the pattern of municipal sister city relationships in Turkey. This
 study examined 2051 sister city relationships between 486 municipalities in Turkey at the international
 level, as well as the effects of population size and geographical distance on the selection of a sister
 city. According to the study’s findings, geographic proximity and situations requiring the exchange of
 information and experience appear to be determining factors in city pairings with different population
 sizes. Cross-border cooperation, which refers to cities that are geographically close to one another by
 land or sea, is uncommon in Turkey; however, sister city relations are generally strengthened with cities
 in geographically close countries, especially due to historical and cultural factors. This study’s findings
 could apply to future research examining the mutual benefits of sister city relationships between cities.
 Keywords: City diplomacy, Sister city, City-to-city pairings, Population size, Geographical distance.

Empowering Urban Diplomacy: Surabaya’s Sister City Collaboration with Kitakyushu, Japan for Sustainable Development

This research examines the dynamic paradiplomacy practices of Surabaya City Government through its robust Sister City cooperation with Kitakyushu, Japan, forged since 1997. Paradiplomacy, as a guide for foreign policy conducted by sub-national actors, provides a platform for cities to engage in international networks and pursue their interest. By applying the International Cooperation Theory and Concepts of Paradiplomacy, this study employs a descriptive qualitative research approach with literature study and interviews to analyze the successful implementation of this collaboration. The research focuses on the city’s concerted efforts towards achieving a Green Sister City status, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting environmental sustainability. Surabaya’s paradiplomatic endeavors complement the national diplomatic efforts, showcasing Indonesia’s rising regional government’s role in international affairs. The study highlights the significance of urban diplomacy in driving sustainable development initiatives through cross-border collaborations.

Fostering Bilateral Ties: Exploring Paradiplomacy in the Sister City Collaboration between Padang and Ba Ria Vung Tau

Padang, situated on the west coast of West Sumatra, serves as the capital city of West Sumatra Province, renowned for its thriving industrial, trade, service sectors, and tourism. Owing to the diverse and unique characteristics of Padang, the city has established a Sister City collaboration with Ba Ria Vung Tau. The latter, having expressed keen interest in this partnership, engaged in fruitful negotiations with Padang's Mayor, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 31, 2016. The primary motivation behind this collaboration is the striking geographical and demographic similarities between the two cities, as well as their shared potential for growth. This paper examines the establishment of Sister City cooperation within the framework of paradiplomacy, which seeks to forge cooperative ties between domestic and foreign regions.

Analysis of the Tampa Bay Rays Sister City Plan based on Urban Catalysts Theory

In MLB, small market teams have fewer fans and relatively less access to resources, and even less opportunity to gain exposure. Whether it's the fan base, the team's financial resources, the size of the market or the size of the benefits received, small market teams can't compete with big market teams. In this environment, the Tampa Bay Rays have managed to bounce back. Since 2008, the Rays have made the playoffs six times in 14 years, and two trips to the World Series. However, such a strong team has a sluggish ball market that does not match the booming sports atmosphere. Therefore, in order for the team to further expand its popularity, attract more fans, and thus gain more economic benefits and tap into the huge market potential, the Tampa Bay Rays propose a sister-city plan and has caused widespread controversy. This study attempts to discuss the future development direction of the team through the theory of urban catalyst, from the two aspects of team development and urban promotion, and put forward the best interests of the future development of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Strategizing Sister City Partnerships: Paradiplomacy, Bilateral Relations, and Sustainable Cooperation in Indonesia

This research explored the intricate dynamics of sister city cooperation within the framework of paradiplomacy and bilateral relations, with a specific focus on Indonesia's evolving landscape. By employing a qualitative methodology, the study provided a comprehensive understanding of the structured stages involved in establishing sister city partnerships, from meticulous planning and strategic alignment to the drafting and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). It highlighted the critical role of governmental oversight, legislative approval, and the convergence of local autonomy with national strategies in shaping effective and sustainable international collaborations. Furthermore, the research identified significant challenges in implementation and sustainability, emphasizing the need for robust strategies and active community engagement. Through the lens of Indonesian sister city networks, the study revealed the multifaceted nature of these partnerships, incorporating economic, cultural, educational, and political dimensions. The research aims to offer valuable insights and strategies for policymakers, local government officials, and international organizations engaged in or considering sister city initiatives, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of how these partnerships can foster mutual growth and welfare enhancement.