This comprehensive new book seeks to explain why Diaspora communities are increasing as never before. In an accessible and engaging introduction to the field, Milton Esman looks closely at the difference in the reception of Diaspora communities throughout the world, and the responses of those communities to their new nations. By focusing on ten examples of contemporary Diasporas from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, the book describes and illustrates the problems confronting immigrant communities as they attempt to protect their inherited culture, while coping with the demands and the opportunities they encounter in their adopted country. The book pays particular attention to the types of conflicts that arise from the development of Diaspora communities, and the consequences that these conflicts can have on the international community.
This book will be essential reading for students and scholars taking courses in international relations, political sociology, ethnic politics and conflict studies.
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 What are diasporas, why do they matter? 3
Chapter 2 Definition and classes of diasporas 13
Chapter 3 Contemporary case studies 22
3a. North Africans in France 22
3b. Overseas Chinese: Malaysian, Thai, Japanese 35
3c. Zionists in Palestine 48
3d. Ukrainians in Canada 60
3e. The “Russian” diaspora in Israel 69
3f. Afro-Brazilians, 1531–2008 76
3g. Palestinians in Kuwait 84
3h. Mexicans in the United States 88
Chapter 4 Problems and processes of adaptation 100
Chapter 5 Diasporas and international relations 120
Chapter 6 Diasporas and ethnic conflict 133
Chapter 7 Diasporas and public policy 149
Chapter 8 Prospects and outcomes 167
Notes 184
Bibliography 199
Index 207