Episode 46: Small is Beautiful? Subnational places and image promotion

This episode looks at the smaller units of international image—regions and cities—and how they fare in comparison to national images. Issues discussed include whether they help or hurt a national image and whether the promotion of smaller places is worthwhile. Simon starts out noting that some places are known for their products, with Champagne being the most obvious, but many are destined to remain unknown. Nick notes that the European Union benefits from being known for its smaller constituent parts while China's image in much more intimidating because its regional variations are unknown, and the focus is on the national level. Simon and Nick agree that diversity enhances a national image and note the value of regional images even when they are explicitly at odds with the overall nation state as with the case of the Basque Country and Catalonia within Spain. Simon argues that the internal contradictions, tensions and reactions that emerge from the interplay of local and national identities are part of what make nations vibrant and attractive. The conversation ends with discussion of issues around measurement and of the tension between rural and urban identities around the world.

You can listen to Episode 46: Small is Beautiful? Subnational places and image promotion online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 46: Small is Beautiful? Subnational places and image promotion is an episode from People, Places, Power by Nick Cull & Simon Anholt.

This episode is 31:15 long.

This episode was published on Oct 7, 2022.

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