The importance of regions in geographical research

Abstract

The history of the 20th century was marked by the evolution of the concept of a region that has undergone various formulations, as well as rejections. Different authors define the region as a natural, human, historical, cultural, as well as economic reality. The notion of the region is multifaceted because the region makes a complex interconnection between different geographical, economic, cultural, political and other factors. In certain approaches, the region is viewed as a concrete fact, in other approaches, the region is only a theoretical fact, namely the creativity of the human spirit. Regions are often studied as a product of the interaction of individuals or social groups in different economic, political, and cultural contexts. Regionalization establishes the regions as administrative and political units within the national state. Consequently, regionalization implies decentralization, as it transfers the part of the authorities from the national to the regional level. The forms of the regional structure depend on the historical, geographical, political, and cultural specifics of the territory. From the aspect of the region, regionalization contributes to its affirmation and preservation of regional specifics, primarily cultural, but also of various interests - social, economic, political, etc. From the aspect of the state as a superior entity, regionalization contributes to the achievement of a balanced development of the region and more efficient connection of state authorities to the local one. These two aspects of regionalization should be compatible, but in practice this does not usually come about.