Conclusions

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 11 summarizes the two-level typological theory and empirical evidence from the three transnational social fields of the Armenian, Albanian, and Palestinian diasporas. A chart summarizes how the different types of diaspora entrepreneurs are more or less present on the nine causal pathways, followed by a discussion. A causal pathway, even if not always present in each case, gets repeated across the three transnational social fields, hence allowing for comparative generalization. The chapter demonstrates the relevance of this book’s findings to recent conversations about diasporas’ public diplomacy, soft power, authoritarian states’ outreach to diasporas abroad, and the diasporas’ autonomy. It appeals to look at how homeland governments, non-state actors, and political parties have different capacities to penetrate the diaspora and engage specific personalities within it. Preliminary empirical evidence shows how the theoretical approach of this book speaks to other cases. The evidence relates to diaspora linkages to other de facto states (Tamil Eelam, Taiwan), a stateless diaspora related to multiple fragile states in the Middle East (Kurdish), diasporas linked to both weak and fragile states (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Syria), and to relatively stronger states with significant diasporas abroad (Bulgaria, Poland and Ukraine). The conclusions feature policy recommendations.