Peripheral Regions in Europe

This chapter is an exploration of the concept of periphery when applied to regions. Specifically, it unpacks what we mean when we talk about places, specifically regions, as “peripheral”. It does this from the perspective of a sub-discipline of human geography: regional economic geography. In this field, peripheral regions are becoming increasingly interesting to researchers due to their key roles at the frontline of climatic and environmental shifts and adaptations. Also, the complex socio-economic-political shifts currently intensifying within them. However, what exactly a peripheral region is remains unclear. Thus, we ask a seemingly simple question to explore the different definitions and issues being discussed when it comes to peripheral regions in Europe. We propose a number of different varieties of peripheral regions which are being explored by researchers in and from different parts of Europe, ranging from sparse and mountain regions to inland and post-industrial variations of so-called left behindness. Rather than providing a unified definition of peripherality applicable to all regions, this chapter proposes a nuanced interpretation of the concept of a peripheral region, which may change depending on the wider context within which the discussion is taking place.