ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the role of diasporas in informal public diplomacy, with an emphasis on the relationship between the Iranian expatriate organization MEK (Mojahedin-e Khalq, or People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran), its lobbying branch NCRI (National Council of Resistance of Iran), and John Bolton, who served as National Security Adviser in the Trump Administration (2018–2019). The relationship illustrates how diasporas can be utilized by host government policymakers in matters of politics and public relations and become active, albeit informal, participants in public diplomacy.
