Aspects of local governance: international integration of cities through networks of cities

Abstract

The processes of economic restructuring, globalization and implementation of the neoliberal agenda occurred in the last decades has increased the debate surrounding the role of the cities in face of greater competition for resources, access to foreign investments, among others aspects. In this context, there is an intensification of international action by cities as a mechanism to improve local governance procedures and standards. The objective of this article is to argue that one mechanism for increasing the  international insertion of cities is the formation of networks of cities, which is an instrument for promoting regional integration and improving public policies through  the development of programs and agreements. A regional network of cities named Rede de Mercocidades will be presented as case study.