National Identity Repertoires, Territory, and Globalization

Abstract

An agent-based modeling approach is used to simulate the effects of changed territorial borders on identity conflicts. The model is influenced by complexity & evolutionary theory. It employs computer simulations & Lustick & Dergachev's Agent-Based Identity Repertoire (ABIR) model which is based on the constructivist notion that identities are best conceptualized as repertoires of possibilities. The intuitions of constructivist theory are applied to the relationship between territory & population in present-day Europe to explore what it means to belong to a particular national community under conditions of globalization that make borders more porous. The focus is on what happens to the dominant identity of a society as large numbers of individuals with identities that previously did not exist within that society are admitted. The methodology used to apply ABIR to questions of territory & identity is described. The results of this exercise in virtual political geography show that territoriality matters more, not less, under conditions of globalization, especially when there are strong globalizing pressures & significant cultural mixing has already occurred. 6 Figures. J. Lindroth