The identity paradiplomacy of small non-sovereign nations and the pitfalls of methodological nationalism

The politics of building and consolidating national identity is a fundamental objective of any identity entrepreneur working within a small, non-sovereign nation such as Quebec. Small non-sovereign nations, which are characterized by a strong sense of nationhood, are likely to venture into the international arena in order to gain recognition for the legitimacy of their aspirations and to find the resources and support they lack within their own borders. Despite this, much of the literature on the subject equates any international action by small, non-sovereign nations with protodiplomacy, in other words, strategies aimed at fostering international recognition for a small, non-sovereign nation seeking secession. This article clarifies the concepts of identity paradiplomacy and protodiplomacy and warns against the pitfalls of methodological nationalism. It also demonstrates that the international actions of small, non-sovereign nations are generally expressed in the register of identity paradiplomacy. It draws mainly on the case of Quebec and provides some elements of comparison.