Transnational Activism in Ethnic Diasporas: Insights from Cuban Exiles, American Jews and Irish Americans

Abstract

The actions of ethnic advocacy groups have an indisputable impact on political change in their ancestral homelands. Many observers attribute the United States’ continued efforts to isolate Castro's Cuba, its on/off involvement in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and its engagement and disengagement in the conflict in Northern Ireland to the influence of their efforts. Whether their actions take the form of lobbying, remittance-sending or acts of violence, diaspora groups’ efforts to create change may determine the success of homeland opposition movements and efforts to resolve internal conflicts. This article surveys the activities of 30 political organisations in American Cuban, Irish and Jewish communities, examining the multiple ways in which these groups attempt to make change in Cuba, Northern Ireland and Israel respectively. In what ways do non-partisan, partisan and radical ethnic organisations attempt to make political change in their homelands? Why do these groups choose particular means for exerting influence—such as lobbying, working with homeland opposition movements or appealing to international organisations? These community dynamics are best understood by looking at each group's ability to find allies within the American and homeland governments, the ideology it espouses and its financial resources.