Localism refers to a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes the value of local communities, their needs and interests. It is based on the idea that decisions should be made at the most local level possible in order to have the greatest impact on people's lives. Localists believe that power should be decentralized as much as possible, with decision-making authority being given to smaller units of government or communities rather than larger ones. They also advocate for self-sufficiency and independence at the community level, promoting local economies and reducing reliance on outside sources. Overall, localism is about empowering individuals and communities to take control over their own lives and make decisions that directly affect them.