Diasporas’ Multiple Roles in Peace and Conflict: A Review of Current Debates

Mari Toivanen; Bahar Baser

doi:10.59670/ml.v17i1.753

Authors

Mari Toivanen Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki
Bahar Baser Mari Toivanen Postdoctoral Researcher, Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki Mari Toivanen works as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Swedish School of Social Science, University of Helsinki. She holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of Turku and is an affiliated member of the School for Advanced Studies in Social Sciences (EHESS) in Paris. Her research interests focus on diaspora, political mobilisation, second generation and identity. Bahar Baser Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations Coventry University, and Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA), Stellenbosch University, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59670/ml.v17i1.753

Keywords:

diaspora, peace, conflict, second generation, transnationalism, diaspora-diaspora relations

Abstract

Diasporas can play multiple roles in both the host country and the homeland, and their activities can varyingly contribute towards peace-building processes or perpetuate conflict back home. In this article, we wish to reflect upon the current discussions in this field, while considering the heterogeneity between and within diaspora communities as well as the generational dynamics of diaspora activism. We discuss intra-diaspora group relations as potential avenues of conflict and peace-building that transcend nation-states’ borders. Moreover, we consider how the dynamics of peace-building and conflict perpetuation can transform over time with subsequent generations. We also discuss the role the second generation can play in relation to peace and conflict.

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