LECTURE 9 Local identity and regionalism

 

 

 

This class provided students with the opportunity to discuss the way cultural identity and its political manifestations relate to economic interest in the life of local communities. In order to build up effective links, the social actors involved in regional cooperation should be well aware of the cultural profile of the regions and of their constitutive local communities. From their day to day experience, students, who live in multi-cultural communities, are well aware of the strong connection between one’s cultural identity and his/her ability to defend and promote his/her interests. This provided a good starting point for the ensuing debate. The main question was: how can cross-border co-operation overcome culturally rooted inequality and discrimination and transform cultural diversity from an obstacle into a tool of regional development?

 

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