Diasporas in the Contemporary World (ePub)

Throughout human history people have moved across national borders.
With the advent of globalization, they are now moving in record
numbers in search of greater security or better livelihoods.
Diasporas have become an ever important and visible presence in the
modern world. Their existence has sometimes resulted in violence
and ethnic conflict, and on other occasions they have been
peacefully assimilated into the culture and citizenship of their
chosen country.

This comprehensive new book seeks to explain why Diaspora
communities are increasing as never before. In an accessible and
engaging introduction to the field, Milton Esman looks closely at
the difference in the reception of Diaspora communities throughout
the world, and the responses of those communities to their new
nations. By focusing on ten examples of contemporary Diasporas from
Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, the book describes
and illustrates the problems confronting immigrant communities as
they attempt to protect their inherited culture, while coping with
the demands and the opportunities they encounter in their adopted
country. The book pays particular attention to the types of
conflicts that arise from the development of Diaspora communities,
and the consequences that these conflicts can have on the
international community.

This book will be essential reading for students and scholars
taking courses in international relations, political sociology,
ethnic politics and conflict studies.