Substate Actors

International Relations Actors in International Relations Substate Actors

Introduction to Substate Actors

Besides the top leader of a nation, there are other groups and individuals within that nation that influence its international relationships. These domestic actors, called substate actors, include particular industries with distinct interests in foreign policy (such as the automobile or tobacco industry) and ethnic constituencies with ties to foreign countries, as well as labor unions, cities, and regions. All of these actors may be affected by international events differently from each other or the country where they operate. These groups can influence a nation’s foreign policy in several ways, such as by lobbying political leaders, donating money to political candidates or parties, or swaying public opinion on certain issues. ” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Substate Actors in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Substate Actors