Aims
This module investigates the causal factors for the emergence of regional national movements and regional governments in contemporary Western Europe and considers how regionalism has modified our understanding of the nation-state and state-society relations. Through lectures and seminars, students will critically examine how regionalism has revised conceptions of state nationalism, citizenship and governance and assess the influence of regional movements on political party formation, voting behaviour and interest representation. This module will provide students with the opportunity to engage in an in-depth analysis of specific cases of regionalism and contribute to ongoing debates on central issues related to democratic development in contemporary Europe. The role of regionalism in European integration will also be considered through an examination of Inter-regional organizations as well as the EU Committee of the Regions.

Objectives

• Develop and defend an argument for the emergence of regionalism in contemporary Europe
• Explain how regionalism and integration can coexist within contemporary Europe
• Draw on a range of research resources in presenting their views
• Compare empirical examples of regionalism using basic comparative research methods
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of how regionalism affects political mobilization, voting and the delivery of services to citizens
• Critically assess how regionalism contributes to ongoing debates about the future of the nation-state, democracy and citizenship
• Demonstrate an understanding of how regionalism interacts with supra-national institutions in Europe