Rethinking local governments within the scope of public diplomacy and soft power: The case of Sarkoy Municipality

Globalization processes have changed the application of power and diplomacy in international relations, as well as the duties and authorities of local governments. Today, local goverments are far more than just institutions that fulfill their established duties (road, cleaning, lighting, etc.). Because local governments; It can carry out activities in many international areas such as states, NGOs, companies. In this study, it is examined to what extent it is possible to evaluate internationalized local governments as actors of public diplomacy. In this direction, the content of local diplomacy has been detailed and similar aspects have been sought with public diplomacy. In order to determine the real situation of local diplomacy, the international Sarkoy Municipality were examined; interviews were held with relevant person. The relationship of local diplomacy with public diplomacy has been tried to be determined through a case study; the role of these activities in establishing relationships with societies and chancing negative perceptions has been emphasized. This situation; It was tried to be determined by examining the archive records, communicating with authorized persons and sister cities. In the end, it was seen that cities, the soft power of their countries; city administations, that is, local governments, can be actors of public diplomacy; For this purpose, some suggestions are presented. Keywords: Globalization, Public Diplomacy, Soft Power, Local Diplomacy, Local Government