Paradiplomacy of the regions of Brazil: authorities and areas of responsibility

The main purpose of this article is the analysis of the main aspects in the sphere of paradiplomacy of the regions of Brazil. The authors identify several levels in the sphere of division of powers and jurisdictions of the regions of Brazil and the federal center. The first level is the competence of the Union and the sphere of the exclusive competence of the Union. The second level is represented by joint and competing competence of the Union and federal entities (the states, the Federal District and municipalities). Exclusive competence of the federal entities can be conditionally included to the third level (and this competence is residual). The authors also give an analysis of paradiplomacy of the four leading Brazilian states; they are Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. An important factor in the development of interregional connections of these states is the creation of the special institutional structure. In addition, paradiplomacy of all the above-mentioned states is developed in accordance with the provisions of federal and regional documents.