International city partnerships: political impact and stabilization potential

Abstract

This article explores the political impact of international city cooperation in the context of contemporary global challenges, with a particular focus on the city of Lublin. The study aims to examine the potential of international city partnerships as an effective tool for strengthening political interaction, building trust between countries, and establishing sustainable international relationships. The paper analyzes how local authorities, particularly municipalities, can play a crucial role in maintaining international stability by rapidly responding to global crises. The article focuses on Lublin as a significant hub for receiving refugees and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the full-scale war following February 24, 2022. Due to its organizational capacity and well-developed network of international partnerships, Lublin was able not only to quickly organize the reception of Ukrainian refugees and provide them with necessary support but also to become a vital logistical center and coordinator of international aid to Ukraine. The paper examines specific actions taken by local authorities as an immediate response to the crisis and demonstrates how these actions subsequently gained support at the national and international levels. Special attention is given to the role of cities in contemporary international politics and their ability to influence global processes through effective horizontal ties and partnerships. The article addresses such aspects as the enhancement of cities’ political agency, their contribution to international stability, the innovative potential of cooperation, and their participation in international networks and organizations, which enables a more effective response to global challenges. The conclusions emphasize that international city cooperation is a significant political factor capable of influencing the global political system, promoting the democratization of international relations, and protecting democratic values. The article also suggests directions for future research that could expand theoretical approaches to studying international political relations and propose new solutions to improve the effectiveness of international cooperation at the local level.