Diaspora, cyberspace and political imagination

The Eritrean diaspora online

Bibliographic Data

ID4263263
AuthorsVictoria Bernal (0000-0002-4623-2275, University of California, Irvine, corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume6
Issue2
Pages161-179
Publication date2006-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Networks (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-2266 • E-ISSN: 1471-0374
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1471-0374.2006.00139.x
OpenAlexW2114328973
LanguageEN
Citations received130
References cited24

In this article I analyse the Eritrean diaspora and its use of cyberspace to theorize the ways transnationalism and new media are associated with the rise of new forms of community, public spheres and sites of cultural production. The struggle for national independence coincided with the rise of the Internet and the Eritrean diaspora has been actively involved in the new state. Eritreans abroad use the Internet as a transnational public sphere where they produce and debate narratives of history, culture, democracy and identity. Through the web the diaspora has mobilized demonstrators, amassed funds for war, debated the formulation of the constitution, and influenced the government of Eritrea. Through their web postings, 'Internet intellectuals' interpret national crises, rearticulate values and construct community. Thus, the Internet is not simply about information but is also an emotion-laden and creative space. More than simply refugees or struggling workers, diasporas online may invent new forms of citizenship, community and political practices

Citizenship · Cyberspace · Diaspora · Media studies · Political science · Politics · Public sphere · Sociology · The Internet · Transnationalism · African history and culture analysis · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Diaspora, migration, transnational identity · Gender Studies · Law

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