Localization as an Alternative to Globalization. Critical Reflections of a Political Scientist

In: Horyzonty polityki: HP = Horizons of politics, Band 12, Heft 39, S. 11-23

Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The author's goal in the article is to present a few key ideas of localization as an alternative to globalization and a critical analysis of localization from the point of view of possibilities and barriers to their implementation.
THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: Criticism to the idea of localization can help reformulate the basic assumptions and could make it more relevant to the existing social reality in the future. The author briefly summarized the ideas and then criticized them asking about the chances of their implementation and the basic barriers to building "a better world".
THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The article begins with the presentation of the main ideas of localization. The author criticizes the asking how the localization could be implemented and at what price. The question remains who and at what price would choose to support the political program aimed at implementing the idea of localization.
RESEARCH RESULTS: The result of the analysis carried out is the general statement that the implementation of the localization would have to face numerous barriers. The costs of implementing the project also seem enormous when one considers the possible social resistance.
CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Can an attempt to build local reality succeed, remains an open question. We cannot finally verify projects that have not (yet?) been implemented. However, we can point to a number of doubts that must arise when analyzing projects based on the idea of localization. Indication of project defects does not mean its discrediting. Identifying the unexpected consequences of implementing major social change projects can help improve a project that remains open.