Diaspora Politics

This book is intended to fill in a gap in the study of modern ethno-national diasporas. Thus, against the background of current trends - globalization, democratization, the weakening of the nation-state and massive transstate migration, it examines the politics of historical, modern and incipient ethno-national diasporas. It argues that unlike the widely accepted view, ethno-national diasporism and diasporas do not constitute a recent phenomenon. Rather, this is a perennial phenomenon whose roots were in antiquity. Some of the existing diasporas were created in antiquity, some during the Middle Ages and some are modern. An essential aspect of this phenomenon is the endless cultural-social-economic and especially political struggle of these dispersed ethnic groups that permanently reside in host countries away from their homelands to maintain their distinctive identities and connections with their homelands and other dispersed groups of the same nation. While describing and analyzing the diaspora phenomenon, the book sheds light on theoretical questions pertaining to current ethnicity and politics.

(Cambridge)

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'Gabriel Sheffer is among the leading figures of this expanding field of research that is diaspora studies ... a worldwide known expert. Diaspora Politics represents an important contribution ... Sheffer's attempt to define conceptual boundaries and provide tentative classifications is helpful and should be greatly welcomed. [An] insightful and very readable book. Sheffer's volume proves indeed to be an excellent and solid contribution to an expanding field of research and will certainly remain a must read for several years to come.' Matteo Fumagalli, Ethnic and Racial Studies

' ... clarifies the core concepts that undergird migration and the diaspora phenomenon. It also outlines an important typology of diasporism. Essential to anyone interested in the dynamics of migration, diaspora, and diasporism. Through his profound analytical insight, deep historical knowledge of diasporas, and fluid prose, Sheffer clearly presents the most salient issues pertaining to migration and diasporism. Diaspora Politics is an authoritative work on diaspora politics; it is rich in substance, innovative in ideas, and replete with references.' Georges E. Fouron, International Studies Review

'Characterized by a true comparative perspective, the study contrasts with work of the many who claim that perspective but in fact project a model based on their expertise in only one diaspora ... This will be a core text for diaspora studies. Essential.' Choice

(Cambridge)

Gabriel Sheffer is Professor of Political Science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and editor of The Jerusalem Journal of International Relations. Recipient of the Israeli Prime Minister's Prize for Political Biography, he has advised various Israeli governments. He frequently contributes to Israeli and foreign magazines and quality newspapers. He published extensively on ethno-national diasporas, the Jewish Diaspora, Israeli politics and foreign policy. Among his other authored books, he is the author of Moshe Sharett: Biography of a Political Moderate.

(Cambridge)

Preface and acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Primary questions and hypotheses; 2. Diasporism and diasporas in history; 3. A collective portrait of contemporary diasporas; 4. Diasporas in numbers; 5. The making, development, and unmaking of diasporas; 6. Stateless and state-linked diasporas; 7. Trans-state networks and politics; 8. Diasporas, the nation-state and regional integration; 9. Loyalty; 10. Diasporas at home abroad; References; Index.

(Cambridge)