Understanding Diaspora Development: Lessons from Australia and the Pacific

Societies that rely on migration create diasporas. This may be the unintended consequence of both temporary and permanent migration in countries of large-scale immigration. It is arguably the most tangible impact of decades of immigration in a country such as Australia, whereby the descendants of migrants go on to settle locally while in many cases maintaining ties with their country of origin. Cumulatively this can result in strong, rich diaspora communities with deep contextual knowledge of their home countries, well-maintained transnational connections and a unique perspective on countries of emigration. Diaspora members and diaspora communities contend with this lived reality. From a wider societal perspective, understanding the many dimensions of diaspora development is critical for matters of integration, multiculturalism, international relations and foreign policy, and social cohesion.