Introduction

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book argues that local identities are not fixed objects and remnants from the past which only hinder the dynamics of future-oriented policies. It analyses the backgrounds of the differential use of local identities and develops some conceptual tools to clarify the different ways in which local identities are used in local politics. Most political and academic attention focuses on the growing role of identities in inter and intra national conflicts. The book aims to contribute to a better understanding of the different ways in which identities are used in local politics through a detailed analysis of the role of local identities before and after amalgamation in two Dutch municipalities. Its results are also relevant for many other countries, where the changing role of municipalities puts pressures towards amalgamation and cooperation. The Netherlands has a long history of municipal amalgamations.