The evolution of post-accession diasporas and diaspora policies after 2004: a comparative analysis of Poland and Lithuania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diaspora policy hinges upon multiple issues linked to the state of origin, state of destination, and international environment, as well as the size and nature of the diaspora itself. This article examines the evolution of Poland and Lithuania’s diaspora policies in response to the transformation of the diasporas’ nature from ‘liquid’ to ‘solid’ in the EU post-accession period. Drawing on existing data and statistics, and an analysis of the documents and actions taken by the Polish and Lithuanian governments, the article presents four layers of the transformation of diaspora policies: adjustment, inducement, partnership, and embracement.