nonglobal

Nonglobal is an umbrella term used to describe phenomena, policies, or organizations that operate on a non-global scale, emphasizing local, regional, or sub-global dimensions. It functions as an adjective and, less commonly, as a noun phrase in discussions of scale and governance.

In practice, nonglobal often appears in debates about globalization, where proponents stress the value of local production, governance, and culture in contrast to universal or transnational approaches. It can apply to economic strategies that favor local supply chains, small and medium-sized enterprises, or community-based decision making. It also appears in cultural and political contexts, where communities seek to preserve local traditions or exercise autonomous governance within larger political entities.

The term is not a formal theory; rather it is a descriptive label used across disciplines. It can be neutral or pejorative depending on context, particularly in critiques of globalization. Related concepts include localization or glocalization, regionalism, and deglobalization.

Origin and usage: The word is formed from the prefix non- plus global and has been used in English-language discourse since the late 20th century to contrast globalized systems with local or regional ones. While the term is not tied to a single ideology, it is often associated with movements that prioritize local resilience, sustainable development, and community agency.