Diaspora Entrepreneurs and Contested States

This book explores the agency of diaspora entrepreneurs by developing a theory of socio-spatial positionality and categorizing them into four types based on their connections to host-land,original homeland,and other global locations. It identifies nine causal pathways that explain how these entrepreneurs operate in transnational social fields and interact with host-land foreign policies, homeland governments, parties, non-state actors, critical events, and limited global influences. Non-contention occurs when entrepreneurs act autonomously, while dual-pronged contention is common under the influence of homeland governments, non-state actors, and political parties. The most contention arises in response to violent events in the original homeland or adjacent fragile states.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of diasporas, particularly in the context of conflict. It proposes a novel theory of socio-spatial positionality and its profound implications for the individual agency of diaspora entrepreneurs. Within this framework, a comprehensive typology is introduced, categorizing diaspora entrepreneurs into four distinct types: Broker, Local, Distant, and Reserved. These categories are determined by the strength of their socio-spatial linkages to various global locations, including their host-land, original homeland, and other distant regions.

A two-level typological theory is developed to unravel the complex mechanisms through which diaspora entrepreneurs operate in transnational social fields and engage with host-land foreign policies, homeland governments, political parties, non-state actors, critical events, and limited global influences. It identifies nine causal pathways that shape their actions and interactions.

Non-contention is a prevalent phenomenon when diaspora entrepreneurs exercise their autonomy and when host-state foreign policies align with their objectives. Dual-pronged contention, on the other hand, occurs under the influence of homeland governments, non-state actors, and political parties. The most intense contention arises in response to violent events in the original homeland or its neighboring fragile states.

To enrich the analysis, the book draws upon 300 in-depth interviews conducted with diasporas from Albania, Armenia, and Palestine, each connected to de facto states such as Kosovo, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Palestine, respectively. These interviews were conducted in diverse locations across the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Brussels in Belgium, as well as Kosovo and Armenia in the European neighborhood.

Through these interviews, the book offers a rich tapestry of insights into the diverse experiences, strategies, and motivations of diaspora entrepreneurs. It sheds light on their role in shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of their host countries and their homeland regions. The theory developed in this book provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex dynamics of diasporas and their contributions to global society.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 235 x 154 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198882169