An Examination of the Determinants of Quebec's Paradiplomatic Actions

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to examine Quebec’s two international policy goals: vigorous participation in the global economy and the preservation and promotion of the French as the national language within Quebec. The goal is to determine whether culture or economic determinants are the primary driver of the province’s paradiplomatic activity. The first section of this thesis surveys previous literature on Quebec’s paradiplomatic activity, and identitifes the theoretical frameworks which best suit the purpose of this study. Here, the thesis draws on a number of sources from academics and scholars who have contributed to the study of Quebec’s paradiplomatic activity. This thesis then identities two important case studies, further outlining Quebec’s international presence since 1965. In conclusion, the thesis argues that there has been an evolution from cultural determinants to more economic and materialist interests. The author recommends further examination and a comparative analsysis of subnation states in the international political economy.