Comments on: Balkanisation and the Internet

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:00:12 +0000

It’s hilarious because some of these populations are remnants from the mesolithic age and share the same DNA and have incredibly similar cultures, beliefs,etc.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:20:52 +0000

Wales too.

I also note that the new country north of Carlisle would be called “Republic of Scotland”, which I don’t think is accurate. My understanding is that they would keep Liz Windsor as Head of State.

By: DE

DE — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:00:27 +0000

There are far more independent movements that that. Even Cornwall has an independece movement.

By: MK

MK — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:44:58 +0000

I am rebelling, and not commenting on Facebook, but here, which is where I think I ought to comment!

However, I am going to pick up on what’s being said over there: Balkanisation is a term that I think you used with very particular intent in the context of this post. If you had used it carelessly or inappropriately, I’d have something to say about it…

I think the map above is terribly interesting: it depicts a layer of activity that runs counter to the far more visible layer of EU harmonisation activities. It flags up how numerous these movements are (and he’s surely missed a few), which is not always obvious, especially given that one might be more prone to think of independence movements in their own backyard first (here in Scotland, for example). Fascinating.

By: Claire Simmons

Claire Simmons — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Sure. Though I don't think I *would* be offended, if Britain were the first country that sprang to people's minds when they thought of violent political disintegration. I'd be glad that people remembered the trauma my country had been through. But the main reason I wouldn't be offended is because the term wouldn't mean that the converse was also true: that violent political disintegration was the first thing that sprang to people's minds when they thought of Britain.

By: Richard Goodman

Richard Goodman — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Ok, well this is what I thought when I read it. I imagined that if something as tragic as the events in the Balkans had happened in my country and this type of event was subsequently referred to as "Britainisation", I can imagine being offended, even if it WAS based on historical fact. I think the problem is this: there are presumably countless positive aspects to the Balkans as a region, but the word "Balkanisation" instantly draws attention to the negative ones. I also think the term may be simply unnecessary. Why not use descriptive, NEUTRAL terms on a case-by-case basis? The phrase "fragmentation of states" would be fine for the example shown in the map. Lastly, note that I was not saying outright "this is offensive". I was merely saying I understand how some might take it as such (as explained), and wondering aloud how many people do, particularly in the region itself.

By: Claire Simmons

Claire Simmons — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:13:00 +0000

Is it understandable, Richard? Or even interesting? What exactly is so offensive about referring to historical events, and drawing analogies with future ones? Frankly, I think it's offensive to be offended by it.

By: Richard Goodman

Richard Goodman — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

I know this wasn't the point of the post Rob, so forgive me for joining in on this tangent, but I think Andrea makes a very interesting point, one which had never really occurred to me. The basis of the phrase "balkanisation" may not have been deliberately offensive, but it is understandable why it would be taken as such. It would be interested to know how many people in that region are aware of the phrase as used in the English-speaking world, and how they feel about it.

By: Robert Sharp

Robert Sharp — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Amazing that the discussion for this blog seems to have ended up on FB and not, like, on the actual blog.Yep – any kind of prediction is liable to not come true. But the potential for 'balkanisation' (and I mean that in a neutral, historical sense, Andrea) has implications for cultural exchange and multiculturalism. Please do click through to the blog itself, and my links to what Clay Shirky says on the matter.

By: Claire Simmons

Claire Simmons — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:50:00 +0000

I do think that predicting what the internet will lead to is a bit like p'ing into the wind – more often inaccurate than not. A good way to end up with egg on your face.