What is localism and why does it matter?

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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 communities that aim to increase their self-reliance and reduce their ecological footprint by implementing local solutions for energy, food, transport, waste, and more.

- Bioregionalism: A philosophy that emphasizes the natural and cultural features of a specific geographic area, and advocates for living in harmony with the local ecosystem and the local people.

- Municipalism: A political strategy that seeks to empower local governments and citizens to challenge the authority and legitimacy of the central state, and to create more participatory and direct forms of democracy.

- Local currencies: A form of alternative money that is issued and accepted within a certain area, and that supports the local economy and the local community.

- Local food: A movement that promotes the production, distribution, and consumption of food that is grown or raised within a short distance from where it is eaten, and that respects the health, welfare, and rights of the producers, consumers, and the environment.


Localism is not a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it a panacea for all the problems of the world. Localism has its own challenges, limitations, and criticisms, such as:


- How to define the local: The concept of the local is not always clear or fixed, and it can vary depending on the perspective and the purpose of the localists. What is the appropriate scale and scope of the local? How to balance the local with the regional, the national, and the global?

- How to ensure inclusivity and diversity: Localism can sometimes be exclusive, homogeneous, or parochial, and it can ignore or marginalize the voices and interests of minorities, outsiders, or dissenters. How to ensure that localism is not used to justify intolerance, discrimination, or isolationism?

- How to deal with power and conflict: Localism can sometimes be co-opted, corrupted, or dominated by elites, factions, or interests that seek to control the local resources, institutions, or culture. How to prevent or resolve conflicts and disputes that may arise within or between local communities?


Localism is not a simple or easy answer, but it is a provocative and inspiring question. Localism invites us to rethink and reimagine our relationship with ourselves, with others, and with the world. Localism challenges us to act locally, but also to think globally. Localism matters because it is about us, and it is about now.


Source: 

(1) Localism (politics) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Localism_%28politics%29.

(2) Localism (politics) - Wikiwand. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Localism_%28politics%29.

(3) Localism (politics) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Localism_%28politics%29.

(4) Localism (politics) - WikiMili, The Best Wikipedia Reader. https://wikimili.com/en/Localism_%28politics%29.

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