ABSTRACT
In almost every conflict around the world today, diasporas are identified as critical stakeholders (Geukjian 2014; Probst 2016: 2; Shain 2002). Indeed, the growing importance of diasporas in contemporary world politics has brought more intense scrutiny to them. A bourgeoning literature has thus arisen on their role as contributors to (and spoilers of) peace processes, as agents for post-conflict development, and as bridges between third parties and homeland political actors (Baser and Swain 2008; Cohen 2008; Pande 2017: 5). Although until recently diasporas were portrayed as victims of conflicts and/or as passive recipients of the politics of both homeland and host country, they are now more and more also seen as purposive and capable agents. This reality is being increasingly recognized by academics, as well as by NGOs and key political actors in both the homeland and host countries. As Cohen (1996) rightly put it over two decades ago, yesterday’s victims have become today’s vocal challengers to existing political mechanisms and processes, both at home and abroad. If migration and refugees remain highly charged and visible topics in contemporary politics, diasporas will also continue to receive ample scrutiny and will surely attract greater attention in the future.
