The Emerging Role of Non-State Actors in Contemporary Economic Diplomacy
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| Pages: | 158 : 166 |
| Abstract: | As old as civilization itself, diplomacy always held a central role in navigating the intricate relations between human communities. As described by Hamilton and Langhorn, somewhere in the 3rd millennium BC, the great civilizations of Mesopotamia reached the conclusion that it was better to hear the message than to eat the messenger, which paved the way for the main functions of diplomacy, remarkably constant throughout the ages, namely communication, representation, information-gathering and negotiation (Hamilton and Langhorne, 2011). Though the concept of economic diplomacy is a fairly recent one, its principles are historically enrooted in the evolution of human civilizations and international relations. Economic reasons have been one of the main drivers for conflict, along with ideological and identity-based differences, territorial disputes, political and structural issues. Against this backdrop, this paper examines how non-state actors have emerged as influential participants in economic diplomacy, shaping trade policy, investment flows, regulatory standards, and governance outcomes alongside and sometimes independently of states. While TNCs drive investment and regulatory convergence and NGOs promote accountability and inclusivity, the expanding role of these actors raises critical questions about governance, legitimacy, and the balance between private interests and broader societal objectives in international economic engagement. |
| JEL classification: | F10, F13 |
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F10, F13
