A New Field of Study: Modern Diasporas in International Politics

This volume is ambitious in scope. Its intention is to contribute meaningfully and systematically to a new field of study: the study of networks created by ethnic groups which transcend the territorial state. More specifically, this volume focuses on the role of trans-state networks developed by historical and particularly by modern diasporas, as well as on the various influences of these networks on international politics. Generally speaking, trans-state networks are structured connections established by groups, institutions and corporations across national and state boundaries, that evoke loyalties and solidarities inconsistent with and sometimes even contradicting the traditional allegiances to territorial states. The networks created by ethnic diasporas are becoming more important in the international arena, and have peculiar and interesting characteristics due to their being part of complex triadic relations between ethnic diasporas, their host countries and homelands. The study of these networks should also shed light on some general problems pertaining to ethnic diasporas, territorial states and international politics.