“Paradiplomacy” and international environmental policy

This paper examines the phenomenon of “paradiplomacy” and its implementation in international environmental policy. The genesis of the studied concept is traced in the process of the academic discussion of three approaches: Soldatos/Duchacek, Der Derian, Hoking. The practical implementation of this phenomenon in the framework of the work of paradiplomatic organizations in the field of environmental policy is considered. A comparative analysis of the history of development and practical activities of two international organizations: Regions4 and Northern Forum is carried out. In general, given the objective differences and unique features, one can note common challenges for such structures in the form of a lack of political opportunities and lack of financial independence. Overcoming these limitations seems realistic only through their evolutionary integration into the global complex system of environmental policy: cooperation of paradiplomatic organizations with the system of international institutions (UN and its structures, EU, EAEU, etc.); greater subordination within the global hierarchical structure; strengthening bottom-up mechanisms so that regional representatives have the opportunity to speak out and be heard on issues of importance to them.