What is localism and why does it matter?
Localism is a political philosophy that values the local over the global, the community over the state, and the individual over the collective. Localists believe that people should have more control over their own lives, their own resources, and their own culture. Localists also advocate for local production and consumption of goods, local governance, and local identity. Localism is not a new idea, but it has gained more attention and relevance in recent years, especially in the face of globalization, centralization, and environmental crises. Localists argue that by reducing the scale and impact of human activities, we can create more sustainable, resilient, and democratic societies. Localists also claim that localism can foster more diversity, creativity, and solidarity among people. Localism can take many forms and expressions, depending on the context and the goals of the localists. Some examples of localist movements and practices are: - Transition towns: A network of grassroots co...