Local Self-Governments in the International System: Is There a Need for New International and Constitutional Regulation?

Local self-governments are increasingly striving to assert themselves in the international system, showing their active participation in international relations. Every indication point to the growing tendency of their active presence in the global arena. Against this backdrop, the questions arise as to what status do local self-governments hold in international law, and whether their increasing role necessitates reconsidering the legal/constitutional framework concerning their status. This article highlights the recent trends of growing participation of local self-government bodies in global processes, and examines the need for revisiting a legal/constitutional dimension of municipalities’ involvement in international relations.