Editing Localism (section)

==History==
The principles underlying localism can be traced back to various philosophical and political traditions throughout history, even though the term "localism" might not have been explicitly used.

In Ancient Greece, the concept of "polis" or city-state reflected a form of political organization where decisions were made at a local level. The political philosophy of republicanism, as practiced in the Roman Republic, also emphasized civic participation and the importance of local decision-making.

During the Middle Ages, feudalism often provided for local autonomy and self-governance, with lords holding power over localized territories.

In the modern era, localism has roots in the writings of various thinkers. For example, in the 19th century, American Transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau emphasized self-reliance and living close to nature. The British social reformer [[File:WMorris.png]] [[Classical Social Democracy|William Morris]] advocated for artisanal production and local economies.

In the 20th century, movements such as the Back-to-the-land movement, Environmentalism, and the Transition Towns movement have all emphasized local solutions and sustainable practices, contributing to the philosophy of localism.

However, as a formalized, named philosophy, localism is largely a response to the trends of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly the growing power of globalized, transnational entities and the associated economic and cultural homogenization. In this context, localism has emerged as a counterpoint, advocating for local control, sustainability, and cultural diversity.