Webinar series: "A Comparison of Island Autonomies"

En línia
14 April 2025 | 17:30h - 18:30h

The webinar series entitled ‘A Comparison of Island Autonomies' is based around an initiative to explore and analyse the political, economic and cultural specificities in island territories with political autonomy, and their impact on society. The sessions aim to foster a space for academic exchange and critical reflection on island autonomy—an essential issue in understanding the dynamics affecting these regions in a global context.

Series Goals

  • Analysing the experience of autonomous government across different European islands
  • Inciting debate on the specificities and challenges in these territories
  • Fostering knowledge exchanges between academics and experts from different regions
  • Promoting a better understanding of the concept of ‘Islandness' in social sciences.

Webinar series Programme

  • 14th April at 17:30h: ‘Faroese Autonomy in the crystal ball: the growing gap between Faroese political culture and Danism legalism" — PhD candidate, Rógvi Olavson (University of the Faroe Islands). The presentation will delve into the history of autonomous government on the Faroe Islands, analysing its autonomy model and the challenges it faces as a self-governing island territory. Watch the webinar here.
  • 5th May at 17:30h: ‘Azores: the role of cultural identity in shaping regional political autonomy’ — Dra. Pilar Sousa Lima Damiao Medeiros (University of Açores). This session will explore the autonomous governance system in the Azores from a political, social and cultural standpoint. Watch the webinar here.
  • 19th May at 17:30h: ‘Aland Islands: a self-governing region in Finland with an own parliament and government’ — Mr. Ulf Wikström (Aland University of Applied Sciences). This presentation will look at the Åland Islands, highlighting its status as a demilitarised island, its legislative authority and the impact of its autonomous governance system. Registrations until May 17th.
  • 26th May at 17:30h: ‘The constitutional principle of insularity and the special autonomy of Sardinia" — Dr. Gianmario Demuro (University of Cagliari). This session will present an historical overview and institutional organisation of Sardinian autonomy, as well as the relationship with the Italian Central Government and what role the concept of islandness played in the historical development of the island’s autonomy. Registrations until May 24th.

Importance and Impact

The webinar series represents a unique opportunity to highlight the important role of island autonomy within the European context. Its impact lies in different aspects:

  • Generating knowledge: a comparative analysis of different islands enables us to outline strategies and best practice that may be useful for other island territories
  • Fostering dialogue: the participation of speakers from different regions creates a space to enrich academic and institutional debate
  • Providing visibility to the island phenomenon: it contributes to a greater understanding of the challenges and possibilities in island territories
  • Networking: the series helps establish connections between experts and institutions with an interest in investigating island autonomy.

Conclusions

‘A Comparison of Island Autonomies’ represents a major contribution to research into island autonomy and knowledge outreach. The webinars will underline the importance of analysing and understanding the specificities of island territories within an academic and institutional setting.

Registrations can be made through the following form: