Disputes Between Cities Over Transnational Inter-City Agreements

Abstract

This article examines disputes arising from the implementation or interpretation of transnational inter-city agreements, such as sister city or partnership accords. Although these agreements lack binding legal force under international law, they often employ legalistic language and include provisions for resolving disputes through consultation and negotiation. Through legal analysis and case studies, the article highlights that conflicts – frequently tied to historical memory, human rights, or foreign policy – are resolved politically rather than legally, often via unilateral action by local governments. While framed as tools for cultural cooperation, these agreements may become symbols of political alignment. The study addresses a gap in the literature by determining how cities resolve disputes arising from the interpretation or implementation of transnational inter-city (sister/twin) agreements and whether such conflicts exhibit characteristics of legal or purely political resolution. The manuscript is aimed at filling a research gap, by highlighting the underdeveloped area of disputes in sister cities agreements between the municipalities.