Abstract

JESUS, Déberson Ferreira; MARTINS, Joira Aparecida Leite de Oliveira Amorim  and  OLIVEIRA, Caroline Pereira de. Paradiplomacy and internationalization of higher education: The Mato Grosso International Relations Group (Nurimat). J. Pol. Educ-s [online]. 2024, vol.18, e95969.  Epub Jan 15, 2025. ISSN 1981-1969.  https://doi.org/10.5380/jpe.v17i0.95969.

This paper theoretically discusses the concept of paradiplomacy and evaluates the Mato Grosso International Relations Group (Nurimat) as a paradiplomatic actor. Methodologically, it is based on documentary and bibliographic research. The structure and functioning of Nurimat are presented, along with its role in two practical cases: the cooperation agreement with the South China Agricultural University (SCAU) to establish the Brazil-China Center for Research in Sustainable Technology and Agribusiness Innovation of Mato Grosso (BCAgriMT) and the creation of the Center for Chinese Language and Agricultural Science and Technology Development. The article argues for the importance of paradiplomacy in foreign policy, its relationship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), and the potential for advancing research in this emerging field. It is observed that Nurimat, universities, and other potential new actors are examples to be considered in the development of international relations by subnational agents. The article discusses that there is no direct competition between the state and subnational actors in paradiplomacy. However, the perception of paradiplomatic activities as "low politics" marginalizes this process, resulting in a limited understanding of the role of subnational actors and their impact on international politics. The research indicates that cooperation within BRICS offers fertile ground for studying paradiplomacy and the effectiveness of educational policy, focusing on partnerships between universities, subnational actors, and their impact on education and innovation.

Keywords : Paradiplomacy; Subnational actors; International cooperation; Educational policy.

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