Regionalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests, identity, and autonomy of a specific geographic region or group of regions within a country. It seeks to increase the political power, influence, and self- determination of the people in these subnational regions, often prioritizing the region's interests over those of the entire nation

. Key aspects of regionalism include:

• Local Identity: A strong sense of loyalty and pride in the unique culture, language, or social characteristics of a region, which can unite its people around common goals and political agendas

• Autonomy: The desire for greater political and economic self-governance, which can range from demands for administrative decentralization and regional development policies to more extreme forms such as sovereignty, secession, or independence

Regionalism can manifest in various forms, from moderate calls for decentralization and federalism to strong separatist movements seeking full independence. It often arises from perceived neglect or unfair treatment by central governments and aims to improve local governance, economic development, and resource allocation

. In a broader context, regionalism also refers to cooperation and integration among states within a geographic region, especially in international relations, but the political ideology primarily focuses on subnational identity and autonomy within a state

. In summary, regionalism is about promoting the political, economic, and cultural interests of a specific region, often seeking greater autonomy or independence from the central government, driven by a strong local identity and the pursuit of self-governance