Agnieszka Szpak – författare

Chapters explore key literature and legal regulations surrounding cities, providing the latest information on their international normative activities. This book includes multiple interviews conducted with the official representatives of cities and various international institutions, such as UN-Habitat, the EU Committee of the Regions, and the Congress for Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. The authors investigate how, despite their strong role in international relations and international law implementation, the importance of cities has still not been adequately reflected in the structures of the Council of Europe, the EU and the UN. Ultimately, the book finds that cities have more impact on policy-making than on decision-making processes.

Cities in International Decision-Making is a rich resource for academics and students of international relations, political science, international law and urban studies. It is also a beneficial read for city authorities, policy-makers, external experts and think-tank analysts.

Examining new legal terminology to accommodate the position of cities and outlining trends in international law and relations, Szpak focusses on city networks and their use of international vocabulary. She highlights case studies from across Africa, Europe and the United States, illustrating how human rights are safeguarded across varying legal jurisdictions. The book discusses the right to adequate housing and healthcare, identifying ways that these can be implemented. Chapters provide insight into how legal standards for climate change can be administered on a city-by-city scale, addressing the Chicago Climate Charter and C40’s Global Green New Deal as key examples of how cities can engage with climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Global City Diplomacy and International Law is a crucial resource for students and academics in international relations, international law, political science, and urban studies. Its discerning insights will also greatly benefit city authorities dealing with international cooperation and external experts cooperating with cities.