How to 'Connect' Micro-Regions with Macro-Regions?

Author(s): 
Publication Date: 
01 January 2010
Publisher: 
Centre for Studies on Federalism
Publication Place: 
Moncalieri
Publication Language: 
EN
Appearing in: 
Perspectives on Federalism
Volume: 
2
Issue: 
3
Pages: 
E29-E37
Abstract: 

Sub-national regions (micro-regions) and supra-national regions (macro-regions) appear as disconnected concepts in the academic literature. They are studied by distinct academic communities between which there is very little communication. In this Note, three ways are suggested to ‘connect’ the two phenomena and it is argued that a dialogue between the two communities could open new avenues for research and lead to a better understanding of inter-polity and inter-economy relations, in a more general sense. In this exploratory Note it is suggested that micro- and macro-regions can be connected (i) at the conceptual level, (ii) through their similar roles as emerging international actors, and (iii) through the interplay between macro-regions and cross-border micro-regions.