regionalism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regionalism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a political, cultural, or economic focus on a specific region, often highlighting the distinct characteristics or interests of that area. Example: "The novel explores themes of regionalism, showcasing the unique traditions and struggles of the rural community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Viewed from Madrid or Castile, from which both Mr Zapatero and Mr Aznar come places like Catalonia and the Basque provinces are regions, and their quest for more power is regionalism.

The Economist

Now add the wish nay, law in Andalusia of some regional governments to merge all the cajas in their region, and sceptics may well wonder if this isn't regionalism gone over the top, and where it will end.

The Economist

There has been speculation, for example, that NAFTA might eventually combine with Mercosur, and that Europeans and Americans might form a block across the North Atlantic.It is possible that the move towards regionalism creates an impetus towards liberalisation in countries that are excluded from a regional trade agreement.

The Economist

Regional trade agreements are often easier to reach than global deals and hence demonstrably serve that purpose.The professor trashes APEC's open regionalism as an "empty phrase" despite its success in bringing the Uruguay Round to conclusion in 1993, eliminating global tariffs on over $500 billion of trade.

The Economist

Market force The plot thins Quiet time ReprintsPlaying with blocksThe second concern, perhaps even more important, is that regionalism will impede efforts to liberalise trade worldwide.

The Economist

In the early 1980s, he recalls, the thought that America might embrace regionalism, previously anathema in Washington, shocked the EU into GATT talks.

The Economist

Second, the basis of Asian regionalism has been non-interference in each other's affairs.

The Economist

A geography that is difficult even by Latin American standards predisposed the country towards introversion, regionalism and a weak central state.

The Economist

"Western confrontational democracy would not be a good thing in our country because it risks degenerating into regionalism, factionalism and ethnicity .Not everyone in Mali agrees and the notion that adversarial politics means chaos has often been cited as justification for dictators elsewhere on the continent.

The Economist

The loyalty of Umberto Bossi's movement, which combines regionalism with populism and Islamophobia, is vital to the government's survival.

The Economist

Meanwhile "Asia is rising and developing a stronger sense of regionalism".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "regionalism" in academic or formal writing, clearly define the specific type of regionalism you're addressing (e.g., political, economic, cultural) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "regionalism" as a catch-all term for all local or regional phenomena. Be specific about the aspects of regional identity, politics, or economics you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "regionalism" is as a noun. It commonly acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to the concept of regional consciousness or political and economic decentralization. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regionalism" is a versatile term that describes affection for one's region, political decentralization, or regional linguistic characteristics. Ludwig AI validates its common usage, especially in News & Media. While grammatically correct, it is crucial to define the context to avoid ambiguity. Consider using related phrases like "localism" or "provincialism" for related, but nuanced meanings. Remember to use the term with precision and clarity to effectively communicate its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regional autonomy

Highlights the self-governance aspect of regions, which is a component of "regionalism" but not its entirety.

provincialism

Focuses more on narrow-mindedness and lack of broader perspective compared to the neutral stance of "regionalism".

localism

Emphasizes community-level focus and interests, which is a narrower scope than "regionalism".

areal differentiation

Highlights the unique characteristics of different geographic areas, which is a key aspect of "regionalism".

sectionalism

Highlights conflicting interests between regions, implying a more adversarial dynamic than "regionalism".

subnationalism

Focuses on the identity and political aspirations of groups within a nation, a specific form of "regionalism".

devolution

Refers specifically to the transfer of power from a central government to regional entities, differing from the broader concept of "regionalism".

economic regionalization

Emphasizes the economic aspects of regional development and cooperation, a specific facet of "regionalism".

regional integration

Emphasizes the process of combining separate regional entities, distinct from the general concept of "regionalism".

geopolitics

Connects geographical regions to political power and international relations, providing a broader, strategic context to "regionalism".

FAQs

How is "regionalism" manifested in politics?

In politics, "regionalism" often appears as movements advocating for greater regional autonomy or decentralization. It can also influence voting patterns and political party alignment along regional lines. For example, some regions may seek "regional autonomy" to better address local needs.

What's the difference between "regionalism" and nationalism?

"Regionalism" focuses on the identity and interests of a specific region within a country or across national borders, whereas nationalism emphasizes loyalty and devotion to a nation-state. While regional identities can coexist with national identity, strong "regionalism" can sometimes challenge national unity.

How does "regionalism" affect international trade?

"Regionalism" in trade leads to the formation of regional trade agreements (RTAs) like NAFTA or the EU, which aim to reduce trade barriers among member countries. This can boost trade within the region but may also create trade diversion, potentially harming countries outside the RTA.

What are some examples of cultural "regionalism"?

Cultural "regionalism" is evident in distinct regional dialects, cuisines, traditions, and artistic expressions. These cultural differences can contribute to a strong sense of regional identity and influence local cultural practices. Strong local culture can be a cause of "provincialism" too.