America’s best diplomats might be its mayors

When people picture diplomacy, they imagine ministers shaking hands, ambassadors presenting credentials and communiqués issued after summits. As U.S. ambassador to Portugal, I took part in all of that.

But I learned that the partnerships that last are often built below the national level, in city halls, regional councils, university labs and boardrooms and by local leaders who understand what a new investment means for the people who will work there.

I saw this most clearly when American technology companies, including the hyper-scalers building data centers that power the digital economy, made major investments in Portugal. National agreements set the frame. The projects succeeded because of sustained, practical engagement with mayors and regional leaders alongside the national government.

That work was rarely glamorous. It meant cutting red tape so workers had housing, connecting companies to nearby communities and helping residents understand the jobs that these investments would bring. No embassy can do that alone.

The same was true in reverse. When Portuguese companies looked to invest in the U.S., the questions included which state, city or region offered the best geographic, technical and regulatory fit. Answering those questions required relationships well beyond Washington, D.C.

This is subnational diplomacy........

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