The Expanding Role of State and Local Governments in U.S. Foreign Affairs

Earl H. Fry

May 1998

The Expanding Role of State and Local Governments in U.S. Foreign Affairs is published by the Council on Foreign Relations and distributed by the Brookings. The author of this new book is Earl H. Fry, Professor of Political Science and Endowed Professor of Canadian Studies at Bringham Young University.

Fry argues that most Americans are unaware of the major transformations now occurring in U.S. foreign affairs, transformations that will lead to governors, mayors, and other state and local officials being much more integrally involved in international activities in the 21st century.

The first major change is the growing dependency of the United States on international economy. Approximately 20 million American jobs will be linked to international trade, investment, and tourism activity in the year 2000, and much of America's recent economic growth is attributable to expanded global commercial ties. In an effort to protect and enhance jobs locally, state and municipal officials have dramatically increased their own involvement overseas. Over 160 offices have now been opened abroad by state governments, and most governors and big-city mayors lead international missions on an annual basis.

The second major transformation is the inability to articulate a consensus on U.S. foreign policy priorities in the post-Cold War era, a situation in sharp contrast with the he period between 1945 and 1990. This trend has been accentuated by the dwindling influence of policymakers, the media, and other institutions located in the so-called power corridor running from Washington, DC through New York City and then up to Boston. Influence over foreign affairs is beginning to shift southward and westward, along with the nation's population and job growth.

In many respects, theses trends are positive, helping to democratize the foreign policy process and bringing the international arena closer to Main Street USA. States have became the "laboratories of democracy" and their work toward improving public education, providing modern infrastructures, and establishing regulatory and tax climated conducive for business expansion will largely determine America's economic competitiveness in the new century. The book is replete with examples of economic development strategies at the local level which overflow into the global arena, and of international pursuits sponsored by the state and local governments.

Conversely, the proliferation of state and local governments involvement overseas will make it much more difficult for national governments to speak with "one voice" on foreign policy issues. The U.S. State Department has roundly criticized some state and local leaders for establishing their own foreign policies toward Myanmar, Switzerland, Nigeria, and other nations. Federal officials have been distraught over local policies which seemingly contradict U.S. bilateral and multilateral treaty commitments linked to taxes, investment, procurement, and free trade in general These areas of contention in the U.S. federal system are proliferating rapidly and there is little chance that they will be resolved in the foreseeable future. The World Trade Organization, the European Union, and various nation-states are now insisting that many of their current problems with the United States are not centered in Washington, but rather in state capitols and city halls.

This book provides a unique interpretation of what constitutes contemporary "U.S. foreign affairs." It raises provocative questions concerning constitutionalism, representative government, federalism, and the crafting together of national interest and a national consensus on vital foreign policy issues. It also warns that unless these issues are addressed, America's competitiveness in the 21st century will steadily erode.