The Literature

Chapter 2 situates the research in the literatures on diaspora, ethnic lobbies, and transnationalism. It elaborates on how the theoretical contribution of the book counters the traditional model of ethnic lobby influence, which is premised on the mobilization and resources of a diasporic lobby for successful participation in electoral politics. The literature on diaspora offers a number of lessons on the emergence of diasporas as significant actors in international politics. The transnationalism literature contains insights on the characteristics of migrants, which inform the book’s theoretical model. A section of the chapter discusses the heterogeneity of diasporas, and contextualizes it with reference to the Lebanese, Iraqi, and Cuban diasporas. The heterogeneity discussion sheds light on the particularistic goals pursued by diaspora actors and on the role of select organizations that emerge as representatives of the diaspora when utilized by host country governments.

Business · Diaspora · Ethnic group · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Section (typography) · Sociology · Transnationalism · Diaspora, migration, transnational identity · Gender Studies · Law · Migration, Ethnicity, and Economy