In a world increasingly marked by profound cultural, political, and religious divides, the principles of nationalism that once united diverse groups of people under a single national identity are now failing to maintain social cohesion. This divide is fueled by a lack of common values and norms, disparate religious beliefs, and limited influence on centralized political structures. As a result, societies have become low-trust environments, where group identities are manipulated and controlled, leading to decreased civic engagement and responsibility. To mitigate these challenges, it’s worth considering a shift toward localism, underpinned by Orthodox Christianity’s teachings of community-centric living.
Localism promotes the idea that power and decision-making should be located as close as possible to the people affected by those decisions. It fosters greater civic participation and allows individuals to take more direct control over their lives. In contrast, nationalism often involves large, impersonal governmental structures that can feel far removed from the daily realities of the individual citizen.
Localism encourages people to see their local community, rather than the nation-state, as the primary sphere of their political, cultural, and social activities. This shift could prove beneficial for several reasons.
First, local communities often have shared experiences and interests that foster a sense of unity, which is increasingly absent in the broader national context. Shared experiences and cultural touchstones can create a cohesive community, fostering trust and mutual understanding.
Second, localism fosters greater engagement and responsibility. When people see the direct impact of their actions within their community, they are more likely to participate actively and take responsibility for the welfare of their community. This active engagement and personal responsibility are more challenging to achieve at the national level, where the impact of an individual’s actions can seem negligible.
The principles of localism align with Orthodox Christianity’s teachings. Orthodox Christians are encouraged to view the church as their primary community or ‘nation,’ transcending geographical borders and cultural differences. The local parish serves as the center of social and cultural life, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support. Interdependence within the community is seen as moral and beneficial, as it nurtures the virtues of charity, empathy, and mutual respect.
Such community-centric living could provide a counterweight to the instability and strife promoted by dependence on a central state. When power is concentrated in a central authority, it often leads to disillusionment and disengagement among citizens who feel they have little say in the decisions that impact their lives. In contrast, a localist perspective empowers individuals and communities, making politics feel more accessible, personal, and relevant.
In conclusion, a shift towards localism and community-centric living, underpinned by Orthodox Christianity, could provide a viable pathway for addressing many of the challenges posed by nationalism in contemporary society. By fostering civic engagement, responsibility, and community cohesion, localism offers a compelling alternative to the divisiveness and dislocation of nationalism.
References:
- Sagar, P. (2019). “The Case for Localism.” New Statesman.
- Berry, W. (2012). “The Idea of Local Economy.” In The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays.
- Rubin, J. (2021). “Localism: Reclaiming an American Tradition.” Modern Age.
- Vrame, A. (2010). “The Educating Community: An Interactive Model of Education.” Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. ↩
- Etzioni, A. (1996). “The Responsive Community: A Communitarian Perspective.” American Sociological Review.