Diaspora engagement in the United States: the case of India and Turkey

Abstract

This chapter compares the formation of Indian and Turkish diasporas in the United States and the different stages in the development of diaspora institutions. It examines the role of diaspora institutions and the kind of influence and impact they wield back home. A comparative approach is important to understand the overall role of institutions in international migration, diaspora engagement, and state-led transnationalism. The chapter considers the characteristics of Indian and Turkish diasporas in the United States. Based on secondary sources and interviews with a number of diaspora institutions, it evaluates the composition and formation of diaspora institutions. The chapter analyzes the role of Indian and Turkish national institutions towards immigrants and focuses on diaspora engagement activities. It suggests a theoretical framework for mobilizing diaspora for the countries of origin. The chapter concludes with some recommendations and underlines the importance of conceptualizing diasporas under a new paradigm.