To understand regionalism, we need to know various dimensions of the region.

Region as a
geographical unit, is delimited form each other. Region as a social system, reflects the relation between
different human beings and groups. Regions are an organized cooperation in cultural, economic, political
or military fields. Region acts as a subject with distinct identity, language, culture and tradition.

What Is Regionalism?
Regionalism is defined as a political ideology that favors a specific region over a greater area. It
usually results due to political separations, religious geography, cultural boundaries, linguistic regions,
and managerial divisions. Regionalism emphasizes on developing the administrative power and swaying
the available or some inhabitants of a region. Activists of regionalism claim that instituting the governing
bodies and civil authorities within an area, at the expense of a national regime, will significantly increase
local populations by improving the local economies through the distribution of resources and execution of
local policies and strategies.

Regionalism Characteristics
1. Local Identity
One of the main characteristics of regionalism is its strong local identity and a loyalty to the
region. Regionalist politicians and many residents feel pride in the local culture and its people. Politicians
try to exploit that identity to gain supporters for their proposals. The regionalist agendas often claim that
the regional interest should always come before the national interest.

The political discourse of regionalists usually emphasizes local development and well-being, at
times without considering other regions. Supporters commonly argue that their region suffers unfair or
discriminatory treatments from the national government and that, by focusing on local issues, the region
will do better, economically and socially. According to them, if all regions do the same, the nation will
benefit as a whole.

2. Autonomy
The search for greater autonomy is usually a priority of regionalism. It can be economic, in the
form of more power to administer economic resources and modify fiscal policies; it can also be political,
with stronger local institutions and the ability to pass laws and enforce local policies. A regional political
party, however, is not automatically a form of regionalism. One group that only exists in a certain region
might promote local agendas without looking for greater regional autonomy.

Some regionalist governments have tried to prevent people from other regions (although still
nationals of the same country) from benefiting from local programs. The scope of some of their policies
includes only local residents and tends to restrict access to other individuals.

Regionalism Consequences
Regionalism can have positive and negative consequences. It might promote local development,
protect the local cultural manifestations and bring favorable conditions to certain regions that might have
been historically relegated by the national administration.
 On the other hand, it can weaken the national identity and arise passionate divisions between
members of the same society. It might also prevent local politicians from recognizing the importance of
certain national issues or those in other regions.

Spain has several areas with a strong regionalist vision, often demanding more autonomy from
the national government and, at times, even promoting the establishment of independent states. These
regions are Galicia, the Basque Country, and Catalonia.

In international relations, the term regionalism is sometimes used to refer to several countries that
establish common policies and agreements looking to benefit the region that they form together, like the
European Union or NAFTA (as in the North American Free Trade Agreement).

References:

Regionalism – Its Dimensions, Meaning and Issues. (2018, November 13). Retrieved from
https://www.insightsonindia.com/2014/11/13/regionalism-dimensions-meaning-issues/

Regionalism in Politics: Definition, Characteristics & Types (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://study.com/academy/lesson/regionalism-in-politics-definition-characteristics-types.html

Victor, R. K. (2018, May 28). What is Regionalism? Retrieved from https://www.worldatlas.com/what-is-

regionalism.html