Western politics has developed a more nationalist character in
recent years. In Europe populist parties claim to champion national
interest against globalisation while in the US Bernie Sanders and
Donald Trump have broken with the free trade consensus that has
lasted since 1945.
Quite different in character, but also focused on the local, is
growing consumer interest in regional production. From farmers'
markets, to local currencies, such as the Brixton pound, the slow
food movement, microbreweries and artisan-produced products,
localism is a growing force, especially among socially-concerned,
affluent and urban consumers.
Localism has many motivations. Concern for the environment
features prominently, as does the search for higher quality,
distinctive products. Culture and economics come into it too.
Localism seeks to strengthen local communities, traditions and
businesses. For some localism is a counter to the supposedly
anonymous, homogenising forces of
