Diaspora Activism Research Articles

A transnational research agenda on the determinants, policies, and impacts of diaspora direct investments

Diaspora actors can increase trade, investments, as well as exchange of technology and know-how between home and host countries. As almost half of the world’s countries have adopted policy incentives to encourage diaspora direct investments, such flows have received considerable interest by scholars and governments alike. In a comprehensive scoping exercise, this essay highlights the critical contributions made by the existing literature on diaspora investment in the fields of international political economy, economics, business studies, transnational and migration studies, economic sociology, and ethnic entrepreneurship. Flagging existing shortcomings, the essay outlines an integrated, transdisciplinary, and transnational research agenda. If offers new lines of inquiry, methodological considerations, and suggestions for testable hypotheses that are needed to advance our understanding of the modalities, determinants, and impacts of diaspora investments, as well as the role of public policies. Offering new categorizations for diaspora investors and public policies, it suggests how analytical frameworks can make meaningful differentiations that account for the heterogeneity of diaspora populations, firms, investments, and contexts.

Review of “The Arab Spring Abroad: Diaspora Activism against Authoritarian Regimes”

Review of “The Arab Spring Abroad: Diaspora Activism against Authoritarian Regimes”

Diaspora activism and citizenship: Algerian community responses during the global pandemic

ABSTRACT Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, this article explores the Algerian diaspora’s impressive outpouring of collective solidarity in the UK and seeks to discover why and how a migrant community previously known for collective mistrust developed such forms of activism. It draws on concepts of diaspora philanthropy, activism and citizenship to understand, firstly, how diasporas might be enabled or hindered, in supporting their communities and then the wider impacts of their crisis responses on processes of social change. Drawing on participant observation, interviews and social media from charitable organisations and leading influencers from the Algerian community in the UK, it explores a wide range of remarkable initiatives to support vulnerable communities, predominantly in London during the pandemic. Motivations and facilitating factors of this solidarity included emerging trust in local elites and leaders, Islamic faith, effective engagement in online spaces and pride in a transnational Algerian identity. Seemingly apolitical towards the homeland, this activism is contributing to social transformation within this diasporic group, rebuilding fractured communities and creating new social identities, feelings of belonging and citizenship.

A critical study of entrepreneurship and philanthropic activities of diaspora in India

This study investigates the issues and find out the nature and extent of entrepreneurial and philanthropic diaspora contributions to socio-economic development in India, the impact and influence of Indian outbound migrants and its impact and contributions to Indian entrepreneurial activities, and extent of contribution to philanthropic activities in India. Moreover, most of the reasons of migration are for business motive, migration after marriage, search of better employment opportunities and to live good quality of life. These migrations create major changes in population dispersion and have its effects on the cities and states of India. The migration which happens inside the country by nature is classified as internal or inbound migration Therefore, This study is to explore various types of motives and purpose which induce people to migrate such type of activities and also propose a holistic model for Indian entrepreneurial and philanthropic diaspora.

Level of national self-identification of Belarusians in Latvia in 1918–1940

The Belarusian diaspora in interwar Latvia was one of the most active and successful in the world. During this period, diaspora activists participated in the development of the system of Belarusian educational institutions (for example, Society “Baćkaŭščyna” played a leading role in the opening of nearly fifty Belarusian schools), published books and newspapers, founded theatres, conducted ethnographic researches. Belarusian national movement in Latvia was not limited to the creation of cultural and educational organizations: a number of political associations appeared (for example, the Society of Belarusian Voters, the Belarusian Democratic Party), the main purpose of which was to create representation of the Belarusian minority in government agencies. Nevertheless, despite the scale of Belarusians’ activities, the history of the Belarusian minority in this country needs more investigations. That also applies to the issue of the level of national self-identification of local Belarusians. The purpose of this study is to identify the causes and factors that determined the level of self-identification of Latvian Belarusians. Population censuses showed that the number of Belarusians fluctuated significantly. The study examines the possible causes of these fluctuations, the impact of literacy level, cultural and educational initiatives of the Belarusian minority, interethnic relations and other factors.

Этническая идентичность и благополучие русских на постсоветском пространстве: роль диаспоры

The article analyzes the role of different forms of diaspora activity as a mediator of the relationship between ethnic identity and psychological well-being of Russians in Kyrgyzstan and Estonia (N = 609). The results of structural equation modeling showed that ethnic identity salience is significantly positively associated with the involvement in all types of Russian diaspora activities both in Kyrgyzstan and in Estonia. Russians’ participation in all types of diaspora activity is significantly higher in Kyrgyzstan than in Estonia. Participation in different types of diaspora activity mediates the relationship of ethnic identity and psychological well-being: in Kyrgyzstan — participation in public actions and activity aimed at preservation of collective historical memory; in Estonia — activity aimed at maintenance of Russian language and culture. The results can serve as the basis for practical recommendations for supporting the Russian diaspora in the post-Soviet space.

“If you become a slave here, do you think they’re going to fight there?” Tamil Diaspora Mobilizations and Host-country Politics

Tamil diaspora political mobilization against the Sri Lankan government shows that, contrary to a commonly held view, migrants’ transnational political engagement can be a vector, rather than an obstacle, to their political inclusion in their country of settlement. But the articulation of a homeland-oriented struggle with the broader political participation of migrants has been a highly contentious issue in the diasporic political field, some activists seeing in these dynamics a risk of co-optation and dilution of the Tamil cause. While LTTE diasporic associations promoted a form of political inclusion which did not challenge the primacy of the Tamil cause, independent diasporic groups incorporated external ideological influences in their conception of the Tamil struggle and merged their homeland-oriented activism with a broader engagement in host-country politics. The case of Tamil diaspora politics shows that the modalities of incorporation of diaspora activists into host-country politics can be a major stake for them, leading to thorough reflections about their role as migrant political actors, to deep disagreements between various poles of a diasporic field, and to diverse pathways of insertion in the host-country political arena.

New forms of cultural nationalism? American and British Indians in the Trump and Brexit Twittersphere

AbstractDiaspora networks are one of the key, but often invisible, drivers in reinforcing long‐distance nationalism towards the ‘homeland’ but simultaneously construct nationalist myths within their countries of residence. This article examines Indian diaspora supporters of Brexit and Trump in the United Kingdom and the United States who promote exclusionary nationalist imaginaries. Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, it analyses British Indian and Indian American users that circulate radical right narratives within the Brexit and Trump Twittersphere. This article finds that these users express issues of concern pertinent to the radical right—for example, Islam and Muslims and the left‐oriented political and media establishment—by employing civic nationalist discourse that promotes cultural nationalism. It sheds light on digital practices among diaspora actors who participate in the reinvigoration of exclusionary nationalist imaginaries of the Anglo‐Western radical right.

A REPERTOIRE OF EVERYDAY RESISTANCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL (IN)SECURITY: CONSTRUCTING THE ROHINGYA DIASPORA AND TRANSNATIONAL IDENTITY POLITICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This paper explores how transnational identities are negotiated through digital and social media use, and how the narratives online contribute to Rohingya transnational identity. Recent studies have made significant strides in understanding refugees’ media practices during migration, transnational family ties, settlement in a host society. However, little attention has been paid to more nuanced understanding every day of risks and opportunities of digital media practice in the context of conflict and forced migration. Drawing on a qualitative approach of semi-structured and social media scroll back interviews methods, I investigate the use of technologies in their everyday experiences of prolonged displacement in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp, Bangladesh and among resettled refugees in Brisbane, Australia, both distinct but interconnected within a power structure. The findings expose the ‘double-edged’ nature of communication technologies. While most participants think technologies have been a lifeline for their survival, participants from the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp show that security and surveillance are key concerns for members of the Rohingya diaspora. In this paper, I argue that although digital and social media offer a niche of a repertoire of resistance and the rise of a new form of community in a context of statelessness, the use of such technologies can be juxtaposed with the consequence of digital surveillance and victimisation in everyday life in a refugee camp. By focusing on both urban and refugee camp settings, this paper offers critical insights into power inequalities and transnational diaspora activism, authoritarian politics, specifically its mediation by digital technologies.

Role of Zanzibar Diaspora Activities in National Development: A Case of Urban West Region-Unguja, Tanzania

The study used descriptive design which adopts quantitative approach. Its main objective was to assess the Role of Zanzibar diaspora activities in national development: A case of Urban West Region-Unguja. The study specifically assessed the diaspora’s human capital contributions to national development. The study engaged modernization theory and diaspora theory as the guiding theories. The study also used questioners as a data collection method. The study population was 84 respondents from different Zanzibar offices pertaining to Zanzibar development as well as involved Zanzibar citizens as beneficial of national development. The study findings signpost that, diaspora’s human capital contributions have much to do with the development of nation. The study suggested the need to have suitable policy, procedure and guidance to make diaspora productive and dynamic to the public in general.

Navigating labels, seeking recognition for victimhood: Diaspora activism after mass‐atrocities

AbstractThis article analyses diaspora mobilization for transitional justice as efforts to gain recognition for victim‐based identities. Building on research among diaspora groups from Rwanda and Sri Lanka in North America and Europe, the article investigates how diaspora actors in their quest for victimhood recognition navigate, make use of and challenge labels such as “victim”, “perpetrator”, “genocide”, “survivor” and “terrorist”. The article uses Jacoby's theory of victimhood to draw attention to the diasporic space as particularly conducive for recognition struggles, and discuss the different stages through which victim‐based identities are constructed. The empirical examples reveal how serveral competing and interrelated processes towards victimhood recognition are simultaneously at work, and how diaspora actors both refute and creatively make use of categories that assign blame or signal victimhood and resilience.

Репатриация черкесов как ресурс политической мобилизации: транснациональный подход

The article is devoted to the issue of Circassian repatriation, considered as a resource for the Circassian nation-building. The authors analyze one of the newest approaches to repatriation, which defines it as transnational phenomenon. Through immersion in the history of Circassian repatriation and analysis of the main actors of this process, the authors identify prerequisites for the formation of the transnational approach to repatriation and reveal its essential characteristics and key actors. The transnational approach to repatriation does not mean resettlement to the homeland for permanent residence with a complete breakdown of ties with the diaspora, but the continuation of relations with both the historical homeland and the diaspora. The main point for authors is the concept of transnation which stands behind transnational repatriation. The authors come to the conclusion that the key obstacle standing in the way of the Circassian national movement towards the creation of a nation is the multiplicity of competing national projects proposing to continue nation-building on the basis of either Soviet nationalities, or Adyghe unity, or Adyghe-Abkhazian brotherhood, or an all-Caucasian unity.In these conditions, the fragmentation and multidirectional aspirations of potential members of the nation in the Caucasus and in the diaspora can be eliminated precisely with the help of the concept of transnation. The transnational concept of repatriation helps to strengthen this understanding of the Circassian nation and, with the successful development of the policy and practice of such repatriation, can lead to the desired national unification. However, there are serious obstacles to implementing the policy of transnational repatriation. The authors conclude that despite the attractiveness of the transnational approach to repatriation for the diaspora actors, given its potential as a resource for uniting the Circassian national movement, the possibilities of its application in the current conditions are still limited.

ASV latviešu sabiedriskais darbinieks Ernests Minka: piemērs diasporas attieksmei pret Latvijas valsti (1918–1920)

Ernests Minka (1873–1940) was born in Liepaja and actively participated in the “New Current” (Jaunā strāva) movement. Forced to emigrate, since 1897 he lived in London and in 1916 moved to USA, Philadelphia, where he soon became one of the most visible activists within the Latvian community. Based on the example of E. Minka, the article describes the attitudes prevalent among Latvian diaspora in the USA towards the newly-founded Republic of Latvia as well as activities of diaspora with intention to help their homeland.

К вопросу о влиянии армянской и грузинской диаспор Кизляра на экономическую и культурно-просветительскую жизнь города в первой половине XIX века

The work examines the socio-economic and cultural development of Kizlyar and the adjacent villages in the context of the national policy pursued in the city by the tsarist administration in the period 20-60s of 19th century. The main research method used in the work is the narrative method, as well as adherence to the principles of comprehensiveness and consistency of historical knowledge of the research issue. Archival materials and available literature are used as the main research base. We make an attempt, on the basis of available sources and literature, a detailed analysis of the contribution of the Armenian and Georgian diasporas to the economic and educa-tional activities in the Kizlyar region. We show the leading role of the Armenian and Georgian merchants in the process of involving the region (a number of cities in the North-Eastern Cauca-sus) into the trade and economic space of the Russian Empire. The work reveals the trade and economic specialization of the city’s diasporas, which later became the basis of industrial production in Kizlyar. We also highlight the issue of educational activities of the Armenian diaspora, the emergence of the first private schools founded by the Armenian community of the city of Kizlyar. The work shows, using the example of the activities of representatives of the Armenian and Georgian diasporas, the process of civil colonization of the region – as the main method for bringing closer relations between the centre and the outskirts.

A Critical study of Entrepreneurship and philanthropic activities of Diaspora in India.

A Critical study of Entrepreneurship and philanthropic activities of Diaspora in India.

Tamil diaspora activism in the post-liberal international order: navigating politics and norms

ABSTRACT Diasporas play a key role in universal norm transfer processes, mainly through transnational political activism. For decades, Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora activists have been drawing attention to injustices in the home country by and applying liberal, cosmopolitan normative frameworks. The use of these frameworks helps these actors to advance their transnational political goals and to cultivate transnational political networks that aid in advancing their struggles to influence positive change in Sri Lanka. In the current post-liberal phase of international politics, the main architects of the liberal, cosmopolitan international norms, who previously supported their implementation, have started to abandon them. This turnaround has tragically coincided with an increasingly hostile reception to these norms in Sri Lanka, home of the Tamil diaspora. This article examines how the recent retraction of and reaction to international norms in international and national politics is reshaping Tamil diasporic transnational political activism and transnational-national political relationships.

Chinese Diaspora Activism and the Future of International Solidarity

Chinese Diaspora Activism and the Future of International Solidarity

RESISTING TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION: THE DIGITAL SECURITY PRACTICES OF DIASPORA AND EXILED HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

For diaspora activists in transnational networks, digital media play a crucial role to mobilize and advocate against authoritarian regimes in their country of origin. Yet the reliance on these technologies creates multiple points of exposure that state actors exploit to silence and punish dissent from abroad. While research has exposed the technical underpinnings of digital attacks targeting civil society, less is known on how potential targets perceive and respond to these threats. Using more than 50 interviews with exiled human rights defenders and journalists from Egypt, Syria and Iran, this paper investigates risk perceptions and security practices of activists in transnational networks. It shows that rather than on nuanced risk assessment, digital security decisions and behavior are often built on the “imagined affordances” of digital technologies for surveillance and information control. The paper argues that the complexity of digital tools and constantly evolving risks thus only work to aggravate activists’ uncertainty regarding the capabilities of the state actors threatening them, reinforcing the silencing effects of transnational repression. Networks of incident response, support and information sharing, in turn, will help to strengthen the digital resilience of transnational civil society.

Solidarity Stalled: When Chinese Activists Meet Social Movements in Democracies

This study analyzes a largely unexamined phenomenon in the studies of transnational activism: immigrant activists’ engagement in progressive social movements in their residence countries. Through participatory observation and interviews with the Chinese activist communities, this study explores how diaspora activists assess social movements in established liberal democracies in light of their experiences with organizing in a more repressive setting back home. Despite active involvement in social movements in their residence societies, these Chinese diaspora activists find the dominant models of activism in democracies to be overly institutionalized, lacking a sense of political urgency to push for real social change. The deeper and more intersectional understandings of social movements in democracies trigger positive reflections that help create new political subjectivities, but at the same time, they produce skepticism and disenchantment, lowering activists’ expectations about the power of international solidarity. By delving into activists’ transnational social movement experiences, this study critically interrogates the theoretical framework of diaspora politics and social movement learning and brings attention to the unintended consequences of transnational political engagement.

Passing on the torch of memory: Transitional justice and the transfer of diaspora identity across generations

Abstract∞ The role diaspora actors play in transitional justice (TJ) has recently been recognized by practitioners and scholars. This article focuses on how TJ initiatives, by re-emphasizing, retelling or silencing traumas of the past, can play an important role for the transfer of diaspora identity and homeland engagement across generations. Based on research on the diasporas from Rwanda and Sri Lanka, the article highlights the different positions made available for and taken up by young people in TJ, and the ways the past is evoked by the homeland state, diaspora organizations and people they meet in their day-to-day lives. TJ initiatives, the article argues, can serve as critical events that mobilize the young generation to support – or resist – narratives of the past, while also providing them with experiences that add to a postmemory of the painful past of their parents’ homeland.