Explaining the rise of diaspora institutions

Alan Gamlen, Michael E. Cummings, Paul M. Vaaler

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    Origin-state institutions dedicated to emigrants and their descendants have been largely unnoticed by mainstream political studies even though diaspora institutions are now found in over half the countries of the world. In response, we first develop alternative theories explaining diaspora institution emergence. They emerge to: ‘tap’ diasporas for resources vital to origin-state development and security; ‘embrace’ diasporas to help define origin-state political identity and achieve domestic political goals; or ‘govern’ diasporas in ways that demonstrate origin-state adherence to global norms. Second, we investigate empirical support for these tapping, embracing and governing explanations in regression and related analyses of diaspora institution emergence in 113 origin states observed from 1992 to 2012. Findings suggest support for all three perspectives with more robust evidentiary support for governing. Our analyses suggest several directions for future research on how and why diaspora institutions emerge for different origin-state purposes.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)492-516
    JournalJournal of Ethnic and Migration Studies
    Volume45
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Explaining the rise of diaspora institutions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this