Definition
A formal relationship between two cities in different countries for cultural and commercial exchanges, proving that municipalities can have better diplomatic relations than their national governments. City-level diplomacy for when federal relations are awkward.
Example Usage
The mayor traveled to their sister city in Japan to strengthen economic ties and promote student exchange programs.
Origin
Post-World War II peace initiative, formalized by President Eisenhower's 1956 creation of Sister Cities International to promote people-to-people diplomacy.
Fun Fact
Some cities have dozens of sister cities—Los Angeles has 25—leading critics to question whether the term 'sister' means anything when you have that many siblings.
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “sister city” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator