engleski

NATIONAL AND REGIONAL IDENTITIES: THE NEEDED BALANCE

It is common today to speak of “the global village,” and with good reason. Instant communications and rapid transportation quickly inform us of, or bring us to, everything that is happening anywhere and everywhere. Linked by the Internet, people over the world share the latest information, technology, entertainment, fashions and food. But does the fact that we share knowledge and products mean that we are to meld together into one homogenous mass of humanity? Should we lose those qualities that mark one as a Croat, a Frenchmen, a Hungarian? And as we contemplate regional integration in the economic and political spheres, does that mean we should shed national cultural qualities and identities? I think and I hope not. Globalization of information or goods should not mean the homogenization of people. It should not lead to attempts to destroy or dilute the particular characteristics that make each individual and each nation special. To the contrary, if a regional grouping is to be truly beneficial to its members, if it is to flourish, it will be because each member nation is drawing upon its special national achievements, and contributing them to the larger group. Furthermore, no larger political arrangements can function with any efficiency unless the member nations are governed by political systems that suit their particular circumstances. When discussing closer ties among nations, therefore, we should seek forms of cooperation that build upon broad values and goals that are shared by all, but which take full account of the values and customs, the histories and the recent experiences, of all participating nations.

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