Paradiplomacy of Jersey: Opportunities and challenges in the post-Brexit era

Abstract

This paper explores challenges that Jersey faces in the post-Brexit era, and how Jersey can utilize paradiplomacy to overcome obstacles and broaden opportunities. Due to its constitutional status, preexisting international arrangements, and turbulences resulting from Brexit, the Bailiwick of Jersey is in a complicated context. Since May 2021, fishing conflicts have erupted off the coast of Jersey after the Jersey government adopted a post-Brexit fishing licensing scheme that requires French fishing boats to provide data showing they have a history of fishing in Jersey’s waters. On the other hand, Jersey’s export industry is stuck due to the island no longer benefiting from the free movement of goods after Brexit. In future negotiations, Jersey can use paradiplomacy to resolve post-Brexit difficulties. Jersey’s interests will be best served by actively pursuing paradiplomacy with the EU and its members in order to achieve more beneficial trade and fishing arrangements for both parties. Jersey’s paradiplomacy is not synonymous with protodiplomacy. It would be preferable for Jersey to remain under the sovereignty of the UK to maintain the substantial economic advantages and preferential treatment granted by the metropolitan territory.