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Week 5 Discussion – Local Power Meets International Governance
DIRECTIONS:
1. After reading the article “Polish Towns That Declared Themselves ‘L.G.B.T. Free’ Are Denied E.U. Funds,” how would you interpret the conflicts described in the article based on one of the themes mentioned in Chapter 8 of the textbook? For example, do you see global governance leading to a loss of sovereignty? Global power pushing against a rise in local populism? Global markets leading the way to cultural change? Or some other interpretation? Explain your interpretation, providing support from the textbook, the article, and other sources if desired.
2. Be sure to respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts.
3. Classmates Post: See below.
Sharon Barfield
Local Power Meets International Governance
Based on the article “Polish Towns That Declared Themselves ‘L.G.B.T. Free’ Are Denied E.U. Funds,” the conflicts described can be interpreted through the lens of democratization. The piece clearly demonstrates a clash between fundamental human rights and principles of equality supported by the European Union and discriminatory practices evident in Polish towns. Six Polish towns that have proclaimed themselves to be “L.G.B.T.-free zones” are not eligible for funds from the European Union (Pronczuk, 1, para. 2). This is an uncommon financial penalty imposed by a member state for matters pertaining to the equitable treatment of its residents (Pronczuk, 2). Although only small sums of money, ranging from $6,000 to $29,000, are being withheld, the municipalities’ removal from sponsoring a program that links local communities around Europe was meant to have a more profound symbolic significance (Pronczuk, 2). Therefore, an interpretation of this situation is the European Union showing their upholding of democratic values by punishing those with populist ideas.
At the same time, the conflicts described in the article also reflect a tension between global power and local populism. It is mentioned that both Poland and Hungary have been observed in condoning such populist tendencies. As a result, local populism can be seen as pushing the limits and asserting national sovereignty due to right-wing governments (Casaglia et al., 1). Lastly, in terms of global markets leading to cultural change, there is no explicit discussion of such an aspect. Nevertheless, the stance of the European Union shows the commitment to democratic values where all people rule. A government managed by the people and policies adopted by the citizens should be subject to some degree of public input and influence, which is the rule by the people (Straus and Driscoll, 3). The Union plays a crucial role in establishing the values and supporting the minorities.
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