region

The world is organized into nation-states, each with a government claiming sovereignty over its citizens. Below the national level exist various subnational political systems, including regional communities. These regions can be historical entities with their own institutions, like the Swiss canton or the American state, or modern administrative units created by national governments.1

In many countries, regional communities exist at an intermediate level between local and national governance. These regions may possess their own governmental functions or be defined by ethnic, cultural, or economic factors. The structure of these regions can evolve, as seen in France with its historical provinces, Napoleonic departments, and modern regions, often reflecting a balance between administrative needs and enduring regional identities. The rise of regional regimes like the European Union also influences discussions on governance, sometimes seen as a networked polity rather than traditional government.12