A atuação nordestina na Rede Mercocidades

Abstract

The pursuit for socio-political and economic development lead cities and other subnational actors to search for alternatives to supply the gaps left by the central state and International Organizations. Thus, as a way to reduce the negative impacts of globalization, and augment local productivity, it was sought in regional integration the solution for these problems. Soon, the same manner that countries are organized into economic blocs, localities interacted and formed national, international, regional and global networks. Mercocities Network is an example of international and regional network, included in the Mercosur region, which seeks to promote the growth of municipalities and generate the dissemination of experiences and best practices for its members. This research, then, aims to understand how the northeastern Mercocities were inserted in this network, its activities and what are the growth prospects in the region. Therefore we sought to present general aspects of intermunicipal international relations, as well as emphasizing the role of cities outside the Northeast; before presenting the northeastern situation. As a result, we realize that there is still a long way to the northeastern cities throughout it, and that the main change agent in this context is a specific manager of International Relations, working directly and exclusively in the international area of the municipalities.