RGS-IBG 2014 Call for Papers
Elaine Ho, National University of Singapore
Nir Cohen, Bar Ilan University, Israel
Diaspora Strategies by and beyond the State (deadline extended till 5 February 2014)
The magnitude and extent of diaspora engagement initiatives by migrant-sending states have surged in recent years, supported in part by international organizations that are attracted to the development potential it offers. Described as ‘diaspora strategies’, such state-led policies have been explained against the backdrop of neoliberal reforms, such as to capitalize upon migrant remittances, investments and human capital for homeland development projects. At the same time, there have been studies of long distance nationalism or mobilization by diaspora populations to assert claims over political or social developments in their homelands.
However, limited attention has been paid thus far to diaspora engagement actors other than the state and diaspora populations. The specific roles of these other actors in shaping the nature and different phases of mobilizing diaspora populations demand our critical investigation as well (e.g. formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities). Furthermore, how do these different groups interact with one another during diaspora engagement?
This session aims to begin filling this gap by drawing attention to the roles and activities played by both state and non-state actors in co-producing diaspora engagement. We are particularly interested in papers that critically examine the way public, private and civic stakeholders (including local, state and federal governments, universities, NGOs, migrant associations, and private firms) shape how diaspora populations are mobilized. We welcome empirical, theoretical and/or methodological contributions from a variety of geographical and historical contexts.
Possible approaches towards studying diaspora strategies by and beyond the state include addressing the role of:
• International governmental or non-governmental organizations
• Public-private partnerships
• Municipal administrative units as localizing agents
• Private sector actors that mobilize diaspora networks
• Universities and colleges as diaspora engagement partners
• Community-based migrant organizations
• Professional associations (including labor unions)
Interested participants are invited to submit an abstract of 250 words to both Elaine Ho ([log in to unmask]) and Nir Cohen ([log in to unmask]) by Wednesday, February 5, 2014.
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